The letterbox is an integral part of every home. The letterbox provides a convenient and secure place to deliver correspondence, even when no one is home. In Poland, having a letterbox is a legal requirement, and not having one can result in problems receiving important documents, bills or parcels.
Choosing the right fence-mounted letterbox can be difficult due to the variety of options available. In this article, we will outline what to look for when selecting one to ensure it meets all expectations, and which variants are on offer.
Modern letterboxes
The letterbox is a visible element usually located near the entrance to a property. There are many types and models available on the market, so it is important to match the letterbox to both the appearance of the fence and house and the purpose for which it will be used. You can also choose a box with an illuminated house number, which adds to its functionality and aesthetics. In addition, mailboxes can be powder-coated in any RAL colour for complete personalisation.
Types and functions of boxes:
● Basic model. The box serves as a protected place where the postman can leave correspondence. It protects letters, postcards, leaflets and small parcels from weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind or sun. The door is difficult to remove, providing additional security and protection from moisture.
● Letterbox with illuminated number. This personalisation makes it easy to identify the property, even after dark. The house number can be produced in different styles and fonts to match the aesthetics of the building.
● Letterbox with bell button. This is the simplest device with a button that, when pressed, sends an audible signal to a receiver in the house to indicate the presence of a person at the door or gate. This model lacks the possibility of two-way voice and visual communication.● Letterbox with analogue intercom. Connection between letterbox and intercom system. Allows two-way voice communication (audio) between the person at the letterbox and the occupant of the house.
● Letterbox with video intercom. The most advanced option, combining the functions of letterbox, intercom and camera, with the possibility of upgrading to a card or code-based door opener. The intelligent letterbox enables two-way voice and visual communication. The resident can see the person standing at the letterbox on the internal monitor. Two-way audio/video communication allows not only conversation, but also identification of the person thanks to a camera.
Assembly methods:
- Wall-mounted letterboxes. These are mounted directly on the surface of the fence blocks. In this case, it is advisable to choose stainless steel letterboxes, which will resist the harmful effects of the weather and ensure the safety of the correspondence inside.
- Letterboxes built into the fence (through-boxes). They are aesthetically pleasing and take up no extra space. They can be installed in the fence post, which provides convenient access to the chamber - from the outside for the postman and courier and from the property side for owners and residents. Brick-in boxes offer greater security (such a through box is difficult to damage or remove), durability and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Pass-through boxes are a popular solution that combines practicality and customisability. In addition, parcels can be collected from the side of the property without leaving the property.
- Free-standing letterboxes. These are free-standing posts, which allows them to be positioned freely anywhere
Letterbox large or small?
The choice of letterbox size depends on several factors. Here are some points to consider:
● the volume and type of mail. If you receive a lot of letters, magazines and parcels, a larger box will be more appropriate as it will hold more mail without having to empty it every day. For a small amount of correspondence, a small box may be sufficient and more aesthetically pleasing;
● available space. Before purchasing a box, it is important to check how much space is available for mounting the box. In a small space, for example with a narrow fence or on a small gate, a smaller box will work better.
Regardless of size, a letter and parcel box should have adequate security features, such as a robust lock, to protect correspondence from theft.
Box in the fence for parcels and larger courier deliveries
The growth of e-commerce has significantly multiplied the number of parcels and larger letters delivered to homes every day. For lovers of online shopping, a courier box has been developed that enables larger parcels to be delivered to the indicated address. These boxes can be optionally retrofitted with, for example, illuminated house numbers, intercom or video intercom systems and bell buttons.
Letterbox installation
Installing a through letterbox in a fence may seem complicated, but a contractor with the right tools and familiar with the instructions can handle the subject without difficulty. Pass-through letterboxes intended for mounting in a fence are often fitted with special mounting brackets and screws. It is important to position the box at the correct height, ensuring easy access for both the postman and the occupants of the house.
Summary
Choosing the right fence letter and parcel box depends on many factors - from material, size and security to design and ease of installation. A carefully selected letterbox will not only be a functional element, but also an ornament to any property. Remember that a letterbox is an investment for years, so it is worth taking the time to find the model that best meets your expectations.
Wondering which letterbox will work best for your property? Visit your local distributor, where you can see JONIEC® solutions. You will find the addresses in the WHERE TO BUY section.