Despite the postal sector’s current difficulties, we will continue to use a physical mail system for the foreseeable future.
Mail is more crucial than ever as more businesses go online and consumers like you demand faster deliveries. Because of this, many homeowners decide to mount their mailboxes directly on the exterior of their homes.
Drilling into vinyl siding will cause it to fracture and expose your home to water damage. Vinyl siding is not intended to be drilled into. Using vinyl siding S hooks or adhesive is the safest way to hang anything from vinyl siding.
It is advisable to mount your mailbox with S hooks because it is too hefty to be supported by glue. With the correct tools, you can install your mailbox in your house regardless of the material it is constructed of.
Table of Contents
Steps To Install A Mailbox On Vinyl Siding
Select A Mailbox
You will initially need a mailbox that you can mount to your siding! If you plan to use it for mail, the most crucial factor is whether it complies with basic electrical other restrictions. With a stylish box, you have additional alternatives.
Prepare Your Area
Your mailbox can be installed in a few different ways. The siding needs to be ready first. You could hang it from your home’s soffit if you’re feeling inventive.
It would help to double-check the rules to ensure this option is permitted before choosing it to support your mailbox; otherwise, you might need to add more support. You might also utilize a hanging mailbox for something else.
A typical method of hanging mailboxes is with an S-hook that slides between the side panels. Never drill into vinyl siding since doing so will weaken it structurally. This is critical if you drill into your siding; a simple project might become a costly repair or replacement.
Mark The Points On The Wall
Hold your mailbox up against the wall where it will be displayed to indicate the locations of the holes on the wall. To ensure that the holes align equally, hold the mailbox straight.
If you’re mounting the mailbox on brick, make sure the holes are in the center of the brick rather than on the mortar, which will lead to constant chipping and make the holes bigger and less stable.
Drill Holes
Once you have marked the location of the mailbox on the wall or siding, you are all set to drill the holes. So, you can mount the mailbox on vinyl siding appropriately and firmly. After drilling the hole, clean the area of debris and dust.
If drilling through vinyl or steel siding, equip a cordless drill with a normal wood bit larger than the screw. Use a carbide or masonry bit if the siding is a composite or concrete-fiber product. Do not raise, lower, or tilt the drill in any direction. Only drill through the siding on the exterior.
Use A Super Adhesive
Use super glue or industrial-level adhesive to anchor and insert them into the drill holes. Using glue is essential to keep your mailbox firm and strengthened in the same position for a long time. The reason is that you cannot drill a hole in your walls or siding every second day. Otherwise, it might lead to cracks.
Place Mailbox
Insert the mounting screws after holding the mailbox in place to align the mounting holes with the S-hook holes in your vinyl siding. Using a screwdriver, attach the nuts to the screws’ opposite ends and tighten them.
Is It Possible To Add a Mailbox To the Vinyl Siding Without Drilling Holes?
If your home has vinyl siding, you can avoid drilling by utilizing vinyl siding hooks instead of the more popular method of fastening window boxes to the side of the house with screws. Once you slide the hooks into the siding’s seam, you’re ready to hang whatever you want.
Vinyl siding can also be covered using Command strips. They don’t do any harm and are easy to use. They leave no residue behind after application and removal. Once you have mounted your mailbox, you are all set to put your mail in this box.
It is not difficult to install a mailbox, especially if you follow the guidelines and instructions that come along with your mailbox.
Benefits Of Installing A Mailbox On Vinyl Siding
There are several benefits to putting a mailbox connected to your home, even though post-mounted mailboxes close to the curb are frequently more popular. If the neighborhood agrees, that is.
Easy To Install
The distance you must travel to get your mail is only a few steps. Some kits can even offer a method for the mail to be delivered from the outside inside the house’s interior.
Long-Lasting
When built correctly, wall-mounted mailboxes ought to survive for decades. The likelihood of abuse from people or the environment is far lower. Driving along the road and ramming into mounted mailboxes while pranking other teens is still practiced today. Those close to the curb risk having their vehicles rear-ended or having other things strike them.
Safety
Vinyl siding contributes to your safety. Mailboxes attached to the home are less likely to be targeted by thieves who prey on homeowners by stealing their mail to steal their identities.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article will help beginners and DIYers install mailboxes on their vinyl siding without professional assistance. If you are afraid of moisture and cracks on the vinyl siding or wall after drilling the holes for the mailbox, you can seal the holes with caulk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the easiest way to hang a mailbox without screws?
Outdoor mounting tape is the simplest method for attaching a letterbox to a wall. It works on brick, wood, metal, tile, stone, and glass and is a powerful, long-lasting substitute for nails and screws that don’t require drilling.
Is it safe to nail in vinyl siding?
When installing vinyl siding, use aluminum, galvanized steel, or other corrosion-resistant nails, staples, or screws. Trim made of aluminum needs fasteners made of aluminum or stainless steel.
Do I need a drill to install a mailbox?
For this installation, a shallow drill bit is sufficient. Typically, masonry or brick walls can be drilled through with a 1/4-inch drill bit, and wood walls with a 1/16-inch drill bit. To confirm the requirements for your specific device, see the installation instructions that came with your mailbox.