How well does the plastic stand up to intense sun? The temperatures here usually exceed 115* and the sun ruins most plastics.
313625
While I live in Michigan and don't see extreme temperatures, there have been many reviews on this mail box that indicate it will fade in the sun. I would invite you to do a search on the mail box you're looking for in a warmer climate these reviews may be more suitable for the climate/environment you plan on using it in. We purchased it for the storage capability (which is the best we've found) it has if you travel a lot an need the mail storage instead of coming home to a box jammed with junk mail.
313626
I love my MailMaster, but I can't tell you about 115 degrees. Usually the highest here is 100 degrees, but I do think it should be ok for you.
313627
We are in NC and don't get weather that hot. But our summers do consistently stay in the 90's and the mailbox hasn't shown any problems regarding the plastic.
313628
Mine is in Kentucky and we just got it and it's winter so I won't be able to answer that till July or so.
1657248
I don't believe there is anything you can do, except perhaps make sure you mount it where it will receive minimum direct sunlight. Plastic ages faster when exposed to UV light. One might try coating the plastic with a layer of UV resistant plexiglass, which may delay the aging process. Or make the thing out of glass. Nothing lasts forever and there are always trade-offs.
288260
The plastic doesn't last very long. Ours was in direct sunlight and the plastic became brittle and cracked when we took down the greenhouse in the fall. Great buy for the price but be prepared to replace the plastic cover. The poles are small ( no bigger then most broom handles) and the directions are vague and confusing.
1239284
I doubt it has UV resistance. Of course I don't know for sure, but putting any clear plastic in front of direct sunlight for long periods of time will probably make it turn yellow.
1361512
We have used it for 11 years and it is in the Colorado sun all the time. The plastic handle finally broke yesterday. Our other one is also 11 years old and it is not in the sun, crossing my fingers it will last a few years longer!
2083236
It depends on the outdoor usage. In an area with cold winters, ours ended up with cracked lids. Rubbermaid sent coupons to fulfill the warranty as they don't make replacement lids. Sunlight didn't seem to adversely effect the plastic. Don't know how a high heat area, such as the southwest, will effect the plastic.
331089
I can't answer this one from experience, as mine has not been rained on, and I can't seem to find the manufacturer's site anymore (it was up and running when I purchased mine). I wouldn't leave it out indefinitely--sun and weather will eventually destroy nearly any plastic material. I wouldn't worry about rain, though.
2182848
These covers are heavier than most. I have had mine on since summer, in full sun. I just went and checked them to see if they were stiff or brittle. Its about 40 degrees here and they are flexable. I see no reason to expect to have to put anything on them.
2066257
After a little more than a year. We have had a little snow and some thick ice along with a very hot summer and with that summer weather comes a lot of sun and U.V. rays that can discolor plastics, especially white, and there has been no discoloration or distorting of our lamp post. It is interesting that I would be asked that question today since I just happened to walk out to inspect it yesterday evening. It has received compliments from strollers through the neighborhood all summer long. If I ever leave this home, I can definitely say that I will buy another to go with my next home. Please ask any further questions that you may have. Glad to answer.
1529752
I live in North Texas and we have very hot summers. It has held up nicely so far.
2114478
I had mine closed at all times in the sun. I only opened it on certain occassion. It as been a year, it still looks fine.
1476752
I am a plumber . I install about 6 a year inside. I dont no what the sun will do to the Plastic. Call the company that makes it
1200125
Have had mine for over a year and I use it out in direct sunlight, no problems so far. Crumbling seems to point to both having been bumped around during shipping and either very old stock or its been exposed to heat for extended periods. Regular bumping during shipping can crack or break plastic parts. Crumbling (assuming it's really crumbling and not just breaking/cracking), usually points to structural deterioration which typically doesn't happen easily to this type of plastic when used/stored in moderate conditions.
1407666
Yes. I've had mine outside, with some sun exposure, and it holds up just fine.
1747218
On a very sunny day it will get pretty hot, but any metal would. It seems to remain cooler than some metals do, to me.
829616
Heavy duty plastic. Ours is in the sun about five hours a day, and the first one we had lasted years. That is the reason we purchased a second one,the number of yers we had it.
1847524
The plastic is made if the durable kind that withstands sun and cold. Ours gets sunlight a lot and it has held up well. Cold weather shouldn't be a problem