Rain is the silent enemy of every mailbox: water that seeps in along the flap soaks your post before you even bring it inside. A well thought-out flap design and smart placement do more than you might think. Here you can read how mailboxes handle rain, and what to look out for when choosing and mounting one.
Whether a mailbox is rain-resistant depends mainly on the flap. A well-designed flap fits closely against the housing and has a shape that directs water outward instead of inward. In many models, the flap falls into a rim or sloped surface, so rain drips off along the outside and does not end up in the opening. That is a design principle, not a coincidence.
The choice of material also plays a role. Most mailboxes in this guide are made of aluminium or steel, materials that can withstand moisture and hold their shape through the seasons. A housing that does not warp continues to close properly for years. Important to know: no mailbox is guaranteed waterproof in driving rain or storms. A rain-resistant design limits seepage, but placement remains at least as decisive.
Where you hang the mailbox often makes the difference between dry and damp mail. Under a canopy, in a recess or behind a wall that breaks the prevailing wind direction, rain has much less grip on the flap. So first look at where the rain usually comes from in your area before you drill.
Height and distance from the facade also count. If you hang the box slightly away from the wall, water can run off along the back without being drawn into the housing. If it stands on a post or on a fence, make sure the flap does not open directly into the wind direction. A little thought about the setup saves you wet bills and magazines.
It also helps not to leave the mail lying there for days. The shorter the box stays filled, the less time moisture has to take effect. A parcel compartment, as on certain models, keeps larger deliveries separate from the letters, which benefits air circulation.
Aluminium and steel withstand rain without rotting, but they do require some attention. A soft cloth and a mild cleaning agent keep the flap and the housing smooth. Occasionally check whether the hinge still closes correctly: a flap that no longer fits properly lets in more moisture than any design. That is a few minutes of maintenance, with a noticeable effect.
If you want to buy a mailbox that can handle our climate, look beyond the shape alone. Pay attention to how the flap closes, which materials are used and whether the model suits the spot where it will hang. At a recognised sales point you can see the models up close and get advice on placement. For everything concerning mail delivery and regulations, we gladly refer to bpost, as they determine the applicable rules.
The mailboxes shown on this page are all designed with the Belgian weather in mind: a sleek flap design, solid materials and, depending on the model, extras such as a parcel compartment or combination lock. That way your mail stays dry and your front door stays tidy.
Further reading: Aluminium or steel · Maintenance · Buying a mailbox
Choose a mailbox with a close-fitting flap that directs water outward, such as models in aluminium or steel. Mount it in a sheltered spot, out of the prevailing wind direction and slightly away from the wall. Keep the flap clean and do not leave post lying there too long. No mailbox is guaranteed to be waterproof, but design plus placement make the difference.
Frequently asked questions
Go through the selection guide or find an authorised point of sale near you.