I think one should bee planning for next winter.
This is how I would start. Look at nature wild hives in trees have more wood insulation than a beek
would give.( due to weight) and much greater ventilation then we afford our babes.
look at bee trees to understand just what I'm talking about. the bee tree has at minimum 2" of living
wood surrounding the colony. We force the ladies into 3/4 of an inch wood wrapped hives. Just
because this has been done for nearly 100 years, we wrap them with one layer of asphalt
impregnated felt. Ya some will survive, many will not. do this for your children today you'd be arested.
The farther north, the more harsh your winters are the more thought and consideration one needs to
give the girls. Are you not progressive? you want them to do for you! Insulation 2 inches foil lined
foam would help them.
one sheet down here cost is about $27 and should cover 1 or two double deeps. to cut this all one
needs is a straight edge and a sharp utility knife (scoring) or drawing the knife multiples,
(two or three) times and maybe a sharp kitchen knife with a longer blade. once this is done flip over
and bend the board at deep crease and score from that side till it separates. then to mate with the
next board you have cut and tape with foil tape.
Ventilation is a must too. every time you open the door and every crack in a homes walls
condensation escapes. Trap this moisture inside a home at high levels one gets more cold toes more
germs more viruses and MOLD.
if one opens slightly, a window at night, then you know of just what I speak. A small hole in the
correct position can drag adequate steam or water vapors out. careful not draft over the babes.
I would think if they didn't find this helpfull they would close vent hole pretty darn fast.
one also gets the same when too much ventilation is applied. check this out with a local heating and
airconditioning guy.
jay