Do you have a Wet Mail Problem?
If you have a wet mail problem, you know what it’s like to go to the mailbox, open the door, and there lies a pile of floppy, squishy paper that used to be your mail. The envelopes are wrinkled, the ink is smeared, and it’s just wet. Then you try to open it so that it will dry out faster, but in so doing the paper tears and pulls apart making the mess worse.
Leaks Caused by Holes, Cracks, or Seams
You are most likely getting wet mail because your mailbox is not “water tight”. Rain falls on your mailbox and then travels down the sides and back and underneath. Usually, the leak occurs at the seams where the mailbox is made and joined together. If this is the case, you can try sealing your mailbox using Flex Seal, a clear, watertight rubber coating. This product comes in a spray can and you basically just spray it on. The liquid spray seeps into any holes, seams, or cracks and creates a water barrier around your mailbox. It may require a couple of coats, depending on the size of your leaks. Also, depending on your weather, you may have to repeat this process in a few years as the elements will wear on the coating over time.
Leaks Caused by Rust and Deterioration of the Mailbox
If the inside of your mailbox is rusted and riddled with holes, then it’s time to repair it. No more wet mail, no more rust stains, and no more dirt. The clever people at the BayShore Mailbox Company have invented what they call the Rust Sleeve. It’s basically a liner for the inside of your mailbox and once installed, you would hardly know it’s there! It consists of a flexible ABS arch for the top portion and a rigid aluminum floor for the bottom of the mailbox. It installs quickly and does not require any tools, chemicals, or expensive contractors.
The ABS arch liner is reversible, so you can use either the white or black side. In case you’re wondering, ABS is a highly-regarded material that is waterproof, long-lasting, and suitable for outside temperature extremes. The product comes in two sizes (Small 6.25″x8″ & Large 8″x10″). It works in all metal mailboxes at these dimensions, but has not been tested for all plastic mailboxes. The small size retails on their website for $37.95 and large the sells for $47.95.
We could explain how to install it, but Bayshore has already made an installation video that does an excellent job!
As shown in the video, combine the rust sleeve with a snap-in door replacement, and you have essentially have replaced your entire mailbox structure in under 20 minutes!
Leaks Caused by the Door Falling Open
New Mailbox Options That Keep the Rain Out
The MailMaster Plus from Step2 is rugged mailbox and post combination that includes rear access, a newspaper slot, and magnetic doors. This one is also very wet mail and weather resistant, but made with lighter materials.
OR, you could go with the Microwave Mailbox
Lily Radliff
We have a brand new Gibraltar “leakproof” mailbox (as stated on this website) and it leaks! Our mailbox is slanting back a little, and we think this might have something to do with it?????
Sandpiper
Same here! Have you found any solution?
Buffy
Have the same problem with the Gibraltar mailbox – soggy mail. Have you found a solution?
Kasey Woo
I live is Los Angeles and it doesn’t rain too often. When it rains my mail is always wet. I’ve contacted Gibraltar and they never replied. I’ve had this mailbox for over 7 years.
Joan Hewes
We have USP mailbboxes on my corner for our coldasac!
Adam
I just coincidentally replaced my old Mailmaster with the Gibraltar because I had wet mail in the mailmaster. Just fyi. I hope the Gibraltar works better!
Dawn
When applying Flex Seal to a mailbox, do you spray it with the lid open or closed?
Thanks,
Dawn