Housewrap for Overwintering Hives

[Denon Carpenter]

Anyone ever try housewrap for overwintering hives. I thought that in theory it might be good by preventing drafts while allowing the hives to breath without being prone to drastic heat up and moisture buildup behind the material that tar paper/roofing felt would.

[Swobee]

I can't see how it will do any good. I am speaking as a certified energy auditor, former building inspector and other levels of a little expertise regarding building science. The product is first of all over-rated but it's not necessarily a bad idea on a home. Especially if installed correctly, which I seldom see happen. Now as for bee hives - they will propolise any gaps they feel need caulked shut. Propolis is their glue/caulking primary household weatherization product. Many of us we could learn some lessons about sealing up our own homes from bees. The need for ventialtion is important as you've pointed out. I can't see how the product will hurt, but feel it will offer no or little beneficial good whatsoever. It will possibly 'help' seal air leaks, but has absolutely no R-value. They will seal the leaks by gluing their brood chambers together and other air leaks any way if they've not already done so long by now.

Hive corners are glued together, so wrap will offer no benefit there. The bottom and tops need insulated, but need to breathe. See my note about no R-value. Maybe a little more details of how you plan to install and precisely what areas you intend to install it onto would help the picture in my mind's eye be more clear.

I guess it couldn't hurt but looks like a waste of time and material to me none the less. Please let us know how it works out if you choose to do so. I'm always open to things that work out for the better and if wrong, I admit it.

[Michael Palmer]

For me, wrapping with black felt paper is the way to go. It's not about preventing drafts. It's about solar gain.

[m.zook]

I work in a body shop and I get the styrofoam that bumper covers are packed in. It can vary with make of the car but it is 1/8 two a 1/4 inch thick and it works real well. one wraper can do two deeps.So check with your local bodyshop and see if they will save you some. Its just gonna get trashed

I like the stuff that Honda or Gm wrapes there bumpers in :cool: