Thursday, June 5, 2014

Maintenance for Your Mailbox



June is here, and with it comes warmer temperatures. And with those warmer temperatures, more and more people are spending time outside. Those of you have yards are probably doing a lot of yard maintenance. Maybe you’re working on patios. Or making fire pits. There’s probably a fair amount of you gardening, whether it’s flowers, vegetables, or both. A huge amount of work goes into maintaining the outside of a home. Make sure you add your mailbox to that To-Do List.

Mailboxes are probably not something that most people think about in the warmer months. There’s plants to look after, and grass to care for, and patios to design. But your mailbox actually has a huge impact on the look of your house.

A mailbox with chipping paint or rust can make people observe your home negatively. Not only that, but a mailbox that is in need of repairs is a hassle to our mail carriers. Mailboxes have to deal with a lot. Rain, hail, snow, and ice are only a few of many things that can cause wear and tear for a mailbox. Like any item that lives outside, a mailbox needs to be looked after, especially if you live in an area that sees rough winters. Snow can be particularly hard on mailboxes.

Here are some tips for maintaining your mailbox:

1.       Repaint a mailbox that has slight rusting or peeling paint.

2.       Replace loose hinges on mailbox doors.

3.       Replace or add house numbers if they’ve fallen off or if they’ve become faded.

4.       Remount mailboxes to walls or posts if they’ve become loose.

5.       Clean your mailbox with disinfectant and water if mildew begins to occur.

6.       Trim grass that may be around a mailbox post for aesthetics and to keep bugs from settling around mailboxes.

These simple tips will keep your mailbox looking nice, and will make it easier for letter carriers to deliver your mail.