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vkhosid

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Good morning Gents,

I have a quick question for those of you who may have an idea about this. The house I am currently at is in need of a mailbox. My wife wants the one that attaches to the wall, which I don't have a problem with. However, the house is covered with vinyl siding, and I don't particularly think its a good idea (or perhaps i'm incorrect) to drill/screw holes into the siding.

The question is this: What is the correct way to install a mailbox onto the side of a building covered in vinyl siding?

Thanks in advance!
 
There are mounting bases specifically designed to go over siding (vinyl or whatever). I've seen them for mounting exterior lights. Don't know if there is one for a mailbox, but two small ones could work.
 
Having had eight years of experience installing satellite antenna services on many different homes and never having a single damage claim, I can tell you a few things.

1. Do not do it when it is cold. The siding will crack.
2. Predrill through the siding before sending in any screws.
3. Use a silicone sealant on any penetration you make.
4. Best way to prevent crushing damage is to use a stand-off mount. Either a couple small "bridges" or small strips of wood in the "lower" parts of the siding.
5. Use coarse thread drywall screws to anchor to the sheeting under the siding. Put a dab of silicone sealant near the pointy end of the screw before sinking it into the wood. That will spread the silicone the length of the shaft and should leave an "O-Ring" of silicone around the head when it seats, if you used enough.
 
smv said:
Having had eight years of experience installing satellite antenna services on many different homes and never having a single damage claim, I can tell you a few things.

1. Do not do it when it is cold. The siding will crack.
2. Predrill through the siding before sending in any screws.
3. Use a silicone sealant on any penetration you make.
4. Best way to prevent crushing damage is to use a stand-off mount. Either a couple small "bridges" or small strips of wood in the "lower" parts of the siding.
5. Use coarse thread drywall screws to anchor to the sheeting under the siding. Put a dab of silicone sealant near the pointy end of the screw before sinking it into the wood. That will spread the silicone the length of the shaft and should leave an "O-Ring" of silicone around the head when it seats, if you used enough.
Click to expand...

This was the general route I thought of taking originally. In order to confirm my thoughts I did some searching online. One overarching theme that I found was that people constantly said DO NOT drill/penetrate vinyl siding (for a myriad of reasons). Hence my question here; since pilots know everything about everything.

The suggestion for not puncturing the vinyl siding was to use s-hooks for vinyl siding. My concern is their ability to hold up to any significant weight and/or wind/rain/etc...

Thoughts?
 
SMV gives good advice, but I think you should also check to make sure that the post office approves of that mailbox. Except in grandfathered cases, ones mounted to the buildings and mail slots are not authorized. You need to use one at the street or approved cluster delivery.
 
flyingron said:
SMV gives good advice, but I think you should also check to make sure that the post office approves of that mailbox. Except in grandfathered cases, ones mounted to the buildings and mail slots are not authorized. You need to use one at the street or approved cluster delivery.
Click to expand...

Wow... It is only 1040 and I already learned something new today. Time for a nap! :p
 
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