Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Brick Mailbox Footer question

My mailbox was vandalized (3x's now) and now all that stands is the metal anchor post (about 12 inches) off the concrete curb.
Is it wise to build a brick mailbox right on top of the concrete curb which is about a 4 inch slab?

Or should i just saw off the remaining metal anchor and relocated my mailbox since i don't really want to dig up the concrete curb for a proper footing?

A massive brick base and covering would certainly make a casual vandal think about going elsewhere. Try to anchor it to the slab for added stability. Snow plows do a job on all mailboxes. - No snow, fewer problems (like hurricanes).

Your neighbors may not appreciate you sending the vandals over.

Dick

Contact your township/city/whatever. A few around here have made it illegal to have huge brick/etc mailboxes since people get hurt when they crash into them.

Contact your township/city/whatever. A few around here have made it illegal to have huge brick/etc mailboxes since people get hurt when they crash into them.


I used to work in an area where everyone tried to out do there neighbor. Some mailboxes cost $5000 [not a typo] complete with fountains. That all changed when the mayors daughter hit one, totalling out the car. Shortly afterward an ordinance was passed allowing only break-away mailboxes.

Just a note -

Often people forget that when they build a major enty feature (mailbox, gate), they often are getting away with building on property (public, right-of-way, easment) they do not own.

Dick

Thanks for all the comments, however can anyone answer my original questions?

Don`t know where you live but if the ground freezes, it`s a bad idea to build on the curb.

This guy has info on brick mailboxes. You can see from the 2 pictures that he made a footing inside the curb (go to brick mailbox video link)

the-flagstone-experts.com

I was thinking about your question and I think your terminology is unclear. Where I live the curb is the part that juts out above the gutter. What you really mean is can you use the side walk slab for the footer.

Ideally what I would do (disregarding the fact that it may be illegal for the moment) is cut a square hole in the side walk and put a beefy footer in the hole and having a small gap between the sidewalk slab and the footer. You could argue that the city allowed a post to be put through the sidewalk so why not a footer?

Using the sidewalk slab as a footer might be OK if it's in good condition. Either way your defacing it.

I talked to the post office (since they are in-charge of the location and type of mailbox we can use) and they ok'd the brick mailbox. I'll be putting it right on top of the sidewalk/curb area. That concrete slab is less than a year old and in very good condition.

Thanks for your comments.