Hive Jacket

[Dogged]

I've just seen an advert for foam hive jackets. Does anyone use these? I know insulation is the big thing right now - but I'd like to hear from anyone who has used these.

 

[Swarm]

I've just seen an advert for foam hive jackets. Does anyone use these? I know insulation is the big thing right now - but I'd like to hear from anyone who has used these.

Some insulation overhead is plenty, I wouldn't wrap the outside unless we had very cold, dry Winters.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Some insulation overhead is plenty, I wouldn't wrap the outside unless we had very cold, dry Winters.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I tried these then gave up on them then went over to poly
I have half poly half wood. The wooden hives have 50 mm PIR in the roof or an Abelo top. The bees in the poly use less stores overwinter.

 

[Dogged]

Thanks all. I was worried about the foam getting soaked, and mice nibbling little hidey holes in it! I insulate my roofs anyway. My bees are very cold hardy but hate being damp.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Thanks all. I was worried about the foam getting soaked, and mice nibbling little hidey holes in it! I insulate my roofs anyway. My bees are very cold hardy but hate being damp.

You have to tape the raw edges with aly tape then paint the whole thing to prevent uv degrading the surface
I have an infra red camera and I must admit there is much less loss of heat in the winter.
If you slip the jacket off the hive side is warm

 

[Murox]

You have to tape the raw edges with aly tape then paint the whole thing to prevent uv degrading the surface
I have an infra red camera and I must admit there is much less loss of heat in the winter.
If you slip the jacket off the hive side is warm

Do you suffer from condensation/dampness between outer hive wall and the insulating foam ??

 

[Erichalfbee]

Do you suffer from condensation/dampness between outer hive wall and the insulating foam ??

No
None at all
Gap should be half an inch or so