William, Re: need for insulators, it isn't absolutely vital, but when things get wet, and old, and insulation on the wire starts to break down as it will, if there isn't much space between the copper wire and any nearby metal surfaces, water can make for corosion between said surfaces and cause noise and signal deterioration even in a receive antenna.
But you don't need fancy ceramic insulators or the like, almost any plastic that gives you an inch or two of seperation is fine. But if you can't do insulators, then put up what you can put up, it'll be a heck of a lot better than indoors. have fun, and take care on ladders etc. Happy newyear Tom Fowle
