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Does Your Brick Mailbox Need Repairs?

Bad things happen to brick mailboxes.  Every year, hundreds are run over by cars and trucks in D/FW alone; many others are vandalized.  But way too often bad things may be the result of poor initial construction–loose bricks, rusted out mail receptacles, deteriorated mortar, and leaning mailboxes–which creates a need for repairs.

Brick Doctor repairs or rebuilds many mailboxes which were poorly constructed from the outset, resulting in loose bricks, rusted out mail receptacles, deteriorated mortar, or leaning.

Brick and mortar is basic, but requires fundamental work specifications to prevent problems from developing prematurely.  And your brick mailbox is often the first impression of your home’s quality–much like a front door–so let us help you make it a great one!

Understanding a few basics can help you know how to judge the key characteristics of a quality brick mailbox.   Check here for brick mailbox construction fundamentals.

Here’s a list of common brick mailbox problems that you may need help with… or, that you’ll want to avoid when planning a new one:

Leaning brick mailboxes point to inadequate foundations.

A poor foundation allows a top-heavy brick mailbox to lean over, becoming an ugly distraction rather than an enhancement.

Just like your home, it is only as stable as the foundation it is built upon.  When building a new mailbox (or any other masonry structure), make sure it includes a significant concrete foundation, designed to fully stabilize and support the structure indefinitely, even in varying soil conditions.

If yours is leaning but otherwise in good condition, the good news is that a leaning mailbox can sometimes be straightened and supported by adding additional concrete underneath. 

Although we strongly recommend against it because this procedure cannot be guaranteed, it might possibly extend the life of your mailbox for several years.

A poor foundation allows a top-heavy brick mailbox to lean over, becoming an ugly distraction rather than an enhancement.
A rusted out mailbox receptacle, while difficult and expensive to replace, rarely warrants rebuilding the structure- but it’s a great time to consider an upgrade.

Rusted mailbox receptacles are also extremely common.

Installing such a box into a brick and mortar structure should be considered substandard.  A semi-permanent structure calls for a quality, long-lasting insert. 

A rural mailbox which mounts onto a wood or metal post typically is a five to ten dollar item, made of thin sheet metal or plastic.  If such a mailbox rusts, warps, falls apart, or is vandalized, it can be replaced inexpensively. 

However, to replace a rusted or damaged mailbox encased in brick usually requires rebuilding the top portion of the structure–an expensive and usually avoidable repair.

The good news is that the mailbox can usually be repaired–you don’t necessarily have to start from scratch.  It also gives you an opportunity to upgrade your brick mailbox.

We also offer a mailbox door only replacement option when the interior of the box can be salvaged.

Dealing with brick and Mortar Problems

Make sure your brick mailbox contractor is a skilled and conscientious mason. 

Poor workmanship looks bad and will not last. To illustrate a few craftsmanship issues with this particular mailbox.

1. The rusted mailbox insert.

2. Large, inconsistent gaps in the mortar.

3. Whole bricks installed where there should have been custom cuts.

4. Interior holes of the bricks should never be seen in finished work.

5. Poor flag design, not intended for masonry applications.

A quality built brick mailbox can last for decades. Make sure you invest in a quality build.

Brick repair and mortar restoration fundamentals

Arrows highlight poor design and construction principles. Don’t let such unsightly errors diminish the appearance of your new brick mailbox.

Poor design, materials, and workmanship can all contribute to premature deterioration, necessitating costly repairs.

Rebuilding the top portion of this mailbox would allow replacement of the box and flag, and redesigning the shape to cover the exposed holes in the brick. The craftsmanship can be improved with more uniform brick cuts in the arch.

Does your brick mailbox compliment–or detract from– your home’s beauty?

While evaluating a brick mailbox repair project, it makes sense to also look at upgrade options. A quality brick mailbox lasts a long time, and reflects upon the overall quality of your home.

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