I’m a Wi-Fi expert – 10 common Wi-Fi ‘speed sucker’ materials ruining your signal at home including your windows
WI-FI experts have shared the most common household items that can interfere with your network’s service.
In an effort to help users get the most out of their Wi-Fi connection, we have revealed the materials below.
METAL
It’s not surprising that heavy metal objects can interfere with your Wi-Fi service.
This is due to metal, in general, being a tough material to penetrate with Wi-Fi signals.
Anything made of metal – such as doors, walls, and building infrastructure – can reduce your Wi-Fi’s strength.
As such, you should try to avoid placing your Wi-Fi close to metal objects.
CONCRETE WALLS
Because concrete is very thick and dense, it becomes difficult for Wi-Fi signals to pass through.
If your home is filled with concrete walls, you may need to install a Wi-Fi extender in certain rooms.
PLASTER AND DRYWALL
Plaster and drywall are also building materials that could impact your Wi-Fi’s strength.
However, they’re not as tough as concrete, lowering the risk of losing service by a lot.
CERAMIC TILE
Ceramic tile is another common material found in homes – however, it can disrupt your Wi-Fi.
“Because tiles are often combined with plaster or drywall, the materials are likely to increase WiFi interference,” Marla Milano writes for High-Speed Option.
“This is why placing your router in a high, central location within your home is considered best practice,” Milano added.
WINDOWS
Perhaps surprisingly, windows can also interfere with your Wi-Fi.
“This is especially the case for Low-E (low-emissivity) windows, which contain a type of metallic film to help reduce energy consumption,” Milano noted.
“The addition of the metallic film makes it even easier to absorb or interfere with WiFi signals.”
MIRRORS
Like windows, mirrors also contain a thin coating of metal behind their glass.
“Combining these two elements causes a decent amount of electromagnetic interference,” Milano said.
“However, the extent that the mirror will interfere with your WiFi signal depends on its size,” she added.
WATER
This might shock some people but water-containing objects can deplete your Wi-Fi’s strength.
Fish tanks “and even human bodies can weaken WiFi signals as they hinder the passage of signals through water,” Milano said.
“This can drastically impact signal strength and the ability of your devices to connect to WiFi effectively,” she continued.
LARGE FURNITURE
Large bulky furniture can definitely weaken your Wi-Fi.
“The more furniture you have, and the bigger and thicker it is, the more your signal will experience disruption,” High-Speed Option explained.
“If your router is currently hiding behind any furniture or is too close to any, move it to a more open, less obstructed area.”
HOME APPLIANCES
Large household appliances like microwaves, dishwashers, and even television can disrupt the service of your Wi-Fi.
That’s because these objects tend to emit their own radiowaves.
To avoid interference from these objects, you’ll want to place your router away from them.
METALLIC BLINDS
Similar to metal objects, metallic blinds can cause problems with your Wi-Fi if you’re trying to use it from outside of your home – like your backyard.
However, inside your home, the service should be fine.