How to Weatherproof a Mailbox

If your mailbox is situated curbside or on the exterior of your house, this article is for you. Because your mailbox is exposed to all the natural elements of your location, weatherproofing your mailbox is key to helping it stand up to those elements. Luckily, there are a few different ways you can help protect your mailbox -- and your mail -- from the weather.

Things You'll Need

• Waterproof paint
• WD-40
• Thin weather stripping

Instructions

1. Purchase a mailbox that has already been weatherproofed. There is a large assortment of metal and plastic mailboxes that are waterproof, and if properly installed in the ground, wind resistant.

2. Paint over your current mailbox with a waterproof paint to help keep the overall look of the box pristine, plus help avoid rust.

3. Spray WD-40 onto the joints of the mailbox to ensure it opens and closes smoothly.

4. Apply thin weather stripping, typically used for doors or windows, to the inside of your mailbox. Purchase self-stick weather stripping from your local home improvement store. Measure the distance around the interior of the mailbox and cut to size. Peel off the paper backing protecting the sticky lining, and place the weather stripping around any opening in the mailbox, to protect your mail from water or wind damage.

5. Move your mailbox underneath your front porch if it isn't a curbside box, to further protect your mail from wind and rain.

References

• Curbside Mailbox
• Weatherproofing Mailbox