Poor wifi signal after antenna replacement

I replaced my broken iPad screen and ripped the wifi antenna in the process. I purchased a new antenna from ifixit, installed it, and am getting very poor reception. The wifi only works in the same room as the router. I am sure everything is installed correctly. Antenna is seated on the daughterboard tight and the antenna is making good contact with the case. Could it be a faulty part? ifixit is sending me a replacement, but i have my doubts that it will work. How careful do I have to be with the antenna on replacement? Is it really that fragile. The part I got has a questionable solder joint, could that be the problem? Any other tricks or tips? This seems like a common problem with no clear answers.