Brick mailboxes get hit. Plows, distracted drivers, slick winter roads, and tight curbs all contribute to it. Sometimes the damage is obvious. Other times the mailbox looks mostly intact but is no longer structurally sound. Knowing the difference matters because a damaged column can become unsafe over time, especially after a Michigan winter.

This article walks through how to decide whether your mailbox can be repaired or whether a rebuild makes more sense.

Why impact damage is not always visible

Even a slow vehicle impact carries a lot of force. The mortar joints that hold the brick together are strong but not flexible. An impact can break the bond between mortar and brick without leaving an obvious crack on the face.

Common hidden damage includes:

  • Cracked mortar joints behind the visible face
  • Loosened brick that no longer sits firmly in place
  • Hairline cracks in the foundation or footing
  • A slight lean that is hard to spot at first glance
  • Shifted cap stones or capstones that are no longer level

When repair may be possible

Repair tends to be a reasonable option when the damage is contained to a small area, the foundation is still solid, and the rest of the structure is firm to the touch. Examples:

  • A few bricks are loose or chipped, but the column is straight
  • The mail door has been bent or scraped but the brick around it is intact
  • The cap stone has shifted but the column below is sound
  • A small section of mortar has cracked but does not run through the structure

In these cases, repair can restore the mailbox without rebuilding from the base. Repair done at this stage is also usually less expensive than waiting for the damage to spread.

When replacement may be the safer option

Some impacts cause more than they show on the surface. Rebuilds become the better answer when:

  • The column is leaning or twisted
  • Multiple courses of brick have shifted
  • You can wiggle the structure by hand
  • The foundation has cracked or moved
  • Mortar joints have failed in multiple places
  • The mailbox has been hit before and previous repairs are now failing

Trying to patch a structure that is moving usually does not last. A rebuild from a fresh footing gives you a mailbox that is back to original strength.

Insurance documentation basics

We are not insurance advisors, but here is what we can do on our end. After an inspection, we provide a written estimate with the scope of work. We can include photos of the damage and a brief description of the recommended repair or rebuild. Homeowners can pass that documentation along to their insurer or to the responsible driver's insurance as part of a claim.

For more on this, our article on insurance and brick mailbox damage goes into more detail.

What to send us

  • Photos from the front, both sides, and the back of the mailbox
  • A close-up of any visible cracks, loose brick, or shifted cap
  • A wide shot showing the mailbox and the surrounding curb or driveway
  • A note on whether the mailbox has been hit before
  • The city and a brief description of the incident

Reach us through the contact form and we will review the photos. Our brick mailbox service page covers how we build and rebuild them.