bubble wrap as insulation

[oliver90owner]

compared to the value of the bees or the cost of the rest of the hive.-

And the cost is easily recouped by the need for less winter feed usage - yes, the box needs to be full in autumn, but less (or no) need for feeding during the spring expansion period. If, like me most years, honey is left as winter stores, there is no risk of sugar ending up in the supers next year, either.

 

[itma]

A single brick should be adequate to restrain a poly roof laid flat during inspections and "frame holders" are easily improvised (though most beekeepers, wood or poly, seem to get by OK without one!)

Some Associations do seem to value 'tradition' over all else …

 

[user 6228]

Hi itma,

I am trialling a poly hive in my Suffolk apiary this winter. Amazingly, I'm the first in the local BKA to use a poly...

The disadvantages of using a poly so far are small: my frame-rest won't hook over the poly hive walls and the roof has been puffed along by the wind during an inspection. Neither are at all serious in rural Suffolk, but both problems on a 4th floor rooftop accessed along narrow gullies an overlooking a busy London street!

Glue a piece of wood or sheet metal on the top of the poly roof to add permanent weight

 

[REDWOOD]

Or make a wooden roof

 

[djg]

Thanks for all your suggestions on poly roofs. I will put the kettle on and have a think.

 

[oliver90owner]

A bee suit would be better than putting on a kettle if you are going taking roofs off hives. What colour and type of kettle? Does it really suit you? A little potty might do just as well! Teapot cosy might be better?

The poly roof supplied with mine lays close to the hive as a timber one has been used for about three years. It only moved a very short distance, even in the storms last year. It is best part of 50mm thick, mind, so not a frisbee like some.

Derekm's idea appeals most, except I would glue on two pieces - one across each end, so it would balance if placed upside down and there would be space for a feeder hole, if ever required (doubtful, but there...).

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Thanks for all your suggestions on poly roofs. I will put the kettle on and have a think.

Poly? Put the kettle on?
We know a song about that don't we?

I think putting a brick on the roof would be better than a kettle anyway - and cheaper

 

[djg]

Thanks for the slightly more surreal suggestions, guys. Glad the Poly-kettle chime was claimed, too!