Posts Tagged ‘mailbox’

 

Mount New Mailbox

Tuesday, April 1st, 2014

Mount New Mailbox - Handyman

Mailboxes serve a practical purpose and influence the curb appeal of any home. This is precisely why they should be carefully installed by homeowners. Do you want to mount a new mailbox on your own? In this case, check out the following guidelines to simplify your task.

Check out the mailbox guidelines offered by the United States Postal Service

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a very specific set of rules and recommendations that you should follow, if you plan to replace your old, deteriorated mailbox with a newer model. First, you should know that there are two main types of mailboxes: wall-mounted ones and post (or roadside) mailboxes.

The USPS advises homeowners to position their roadside mailboxes up to 45” off the ground, to enable the carrier to deliver mail easily without having to get out of their trucks. Wall-mounted mailboxes should be placed up to 4’ off the ground, to ensure easy access from your steps or sidewalk.

Getting Started

If you want to install a post mailbox, follow these simple steps.

1)   Contact your utility company to make sure that you won’t start digging in an area where electrical wires or plumbing pipes are buried.

2)   Dig a 1-foot deep hole.

3)   Maintain your post in a straight position using two wood stakes and string and then fill the cavity with a concrete mix and let it dry, then remove the string and the two stakes.

4)   Attach your new mailbox by simply following the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you plan to install a wall-mounted mailbox, start by identifying the perfect spot for it. Remember that the new mailbox should be positioned in the center area of your wall. Use a level to install it in the correct position. Afterwards, mount it on your wall by using a screwdriver. The whole process is simple and hassle-free.

3)      Ask an Expert

Can’t mount the new mailbox on your own? If so, choose to hire a competent handyman. Find the best ones in your area by consulting TalkLocal, your #1 specialist when it comes to identifying A-list professionals who operate in your proximity.

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How to Fix Leaning Mailbox Posts

Thursday, February 13th, 2014

How to Fix Leaning Mailbox Posts - Handyman

If your mailbox is leaning for various reasons, such as severe weather or improper installation, sooner or later you’ll have to fix it. That’s a must-do, especially if you consider selling your house. Here’s what you should know about how to fix leaning mailbox posts.

1. Remove the Leaning Mailbox Post from the Ground

If your mailbox is installed on a wooden or metal post and it’s leaning, the best way to fix it is to dig it out of the ground. This may be an easy job if the post was simply stuck into the ground without having a foundation. If the initial hole was not deep enough, the cause of the leaning is obvious. If the ground around the post is packed very hard, is stony, or has a thin layer of concrete, you might need to use a mattock to break up the surface.

2. Prepare the Hole for the Mailbox Post

To make sure your mailbox will withstand the test of time, you need to dig a hole which is about two feet deep and about half of that in diameter. After digging the hole, insert a layer of gravel into it to minimize the effect of water infiltration. If you use a metal mailbox pole, the gravel on the bottom of the hole will help prevent rusting.

3. Insert the Mailbox Post into the Ground

Insert the post into the hole and add soil to keep it in place. Level the mailbox post and fill the hole with dirt. Make sure the mailbox post stands up straight, and tread on the dirt to pack it down. Don’t forget that the ideal length of a mailbox pole is 41-45 inches above ground level.

How Can You Fix Leaning Mailbox Posts with Cement Bases?

If your leaning mailbox is set in cement, it will be more difficult to fix it, but you can do so by enlarging the base. Repeat the first step by removing the mailbox, make the hole wider, reinsert the mailbox post, and add cement to make the post stand upright.

Get Professional Help

If you don’t want to repair your mailbox yourself, Seva Call can get you professional help by putting you in touch with local handymen who can get the job done in no time. Our service is fast and free of charge.

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