The USPS approves four mailbox materials: ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, wood, and plastic.
Plastic is a popular material for mailboxes. This is because they are affordable compared to the other materials.
Plastic is generally a good and durable material for mailboxes.
Here is How Durable Plastic Mailboxes Are:
Plastic is one of the most commonly used materials for mailboxes because it is cheap but durable enough to keep your mail and parcels safe. However, it is not the most durable material out there for mailboxes. Plastic mailboxes can suffer from premature wear and tear depending on the weather condition.
Are Plastic Mailboxes Durable?
Plastic mailboxes are durable in that, unlike metal, they do not corrode and rust. This is one of the pros of plastic mailboxes.
Plastic mailboxes are usually made from polypropylene which is one of the most durable types of plastics out there. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer that is made by mixing propylene monomers.
These mailboxes are naturally resistant to rust. This means, unlike steel and pure iron mailboxes, they do not rust at all, even when exposed to moisture.
Unlike wood, plastic mailboxes are resistant to mold and mildew. Even if it rains a lot, there will be no mold and mildew growth on plastic mailboxes.
Are Plastic Mailboxes Good?
Plastic mailboxes may not have the sleek appearance that metal mailboxes have or the rustic charm that wooden mailboxes have, but plastic is a good material for manufacturing mailboxes.
Plastic mailboxes are also sturdy and durable enough to keep your mail and parcels safe from outdoor elements, like rain.
These mailboxes are also quite affordable. Plastic is the most inexpensive material out there for manufacturing mailboxes.
Furthermore, plastic mailboxes do not corrode or rust like steel and pure iron mailboxes. Plastic is a material that is naturally resistant to rust, so rusting is not something that you should worry about if you have a plastic mailbox.
Plastic mailboxes also do not foster the growth of mold and mildew, unlike wooden mailboxes.
Finally, plastic mailboxes are also easier to clean and maintain. You can clean a plastic mailbox easily with soap and water!
Can Plastic Mailboxes Break Away?
Plastic mailboxes, especially the cheap ones, tend to crack and break away. This is because plastic mailboxes can experience early wear and tear, especially when exposed to harsh outdoor elements.
One of the cons of having plastic mailboxes is that they tend to become brittle over time under prolonged direct sun exposure. When they become brittle, they will break away eventually.
This is why plastic mailboxes are not recommended in hot locations.
Because plastic is generally a cheap material, they are weaker than other materials like wood, ferrous metal, and non-ferrous metals. These mailboxes can last long but not as long as other materials.
They may not corrode and rust, but they can be flimsy. Plastic mailboxes can deform easily when they are exposed to stress or pressure.
Can Plastic Mailboxes Withstand Snow Plows?
The average mailbox cannot withstand heavy weight, including huge chunks of snow and ice.
Besides becoming brittle because of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, plastic mailboxes can also become very brittle in the winter.
Basically, plastic mailboxes normally cannot withstand the force of snow and slush.
Therefore, you can expect your plastic mailbox to break away if a snow plow shoves snow into it.
Can Plastic Mailboxes Get Ruined by Weather?
Plastic mailboxes can get ruined by the weather. They may be sturdy and durable but are not strong enough to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Mailboxes made of plastic naturally resist rust and corrosion and are easy to clean and maintain.
However, these mailboxes are not the best for climates prone to extreme cold or heat.
Cold & Heat
Plastic mailboxes tend to become very brittle when exposed to extremely cold temperatures, making them break away easily. These mailboxes also cannot withstand the heavy weight of snow plows.
When exposed to extreme heat, mailboxes made of plastic also tend to become very brittle. Direct sun exposure can cause early wear and tear on plastic mailboxes that they become brittle over time.
Eventually, they would break away or shatter.
Direct Sunlight
In addition, plastic mailboxes can fade when exposed to direct sunlight. If you get a plastic mailbox that is of high quality, it will have an anti-UV coating.
This anti-UV coating protects and helps prevent the mailbox from fading due to the sun’s rays.
When are Plastic Mailboxes Best to Use?
A plastic mailbox is ideal for places with damp climates that generally do not get extremely hot or extremely cold.
Plastic mailboxes can withstand moisture and humidity. So a plastic mailbox would work well for your house if you live in a generally humid area that does not get a lot of sunlight.
A plastic mailbox is a good option if you are on a budget and do not want to spend too much on a mailbox. Many ready-made mailboxes out there are made of good-quality plastic, and you can find one to suit your budget.
However, if you live where it can get extremely hot or cold, be prepared to replace your plastic mailbox earlier than you would have wanted, as it may not last very long.
Sources:
What Materials Can Curbside Mailboxes Be Made Of