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Beehive Insulation
Used to improve colony survival rates during the colder months, Low-E Beehive Insulation is perfect for reducing wind chill, condensation and keeping the hive warmer in winter and colder in summer.
Reflects 97% of Heat
Deadens Sound
Doesn't Absorb Moisture
Mould, Fungi and Rot Resistant
Quick and Easy to Install
“I’ve used low e for the past 15 months. I’ve found it to work fantastic is all conditions. I’ve probably got 20 vans with it fitted and I’ve had no complaints from any of my customers about being cold. Some of the vans are used for skiing holidays in places that are -20C and more.”
J Cochran, Genesis, UK
“Our customers are delighted with the rooms. We are now offering Low-E Insulation as an update in ALL our sheds, summer rooms and log cabins.”
Alex E, Lancashire, UK
“I found Pet Pad online and thought it was a fantastic idea. I’ve put them in all the kennels and pens my doggie hotel. A few of my customers saw them and asked about them so now I’ve started selling them too. Everyone loves them, especially the pooches!”
Kate E, London, UK
“We used Low-E Insulation to insulate outdoor water tanks. We used to lose a lot of water through evaporation in the summer months. It is made a huge difference. We have now insulated of hot water tanks indoors, and we have noticed our energy bills have gone down too. I’d definitely recommend Low-E Insulation.”
Helen B, Ireland
“I bought the Low-E Insulation from eBay on a recommendation from a friend. It arrived very promptly and was very easy to cut and installing. I’m delighted! It’s certainly made a difference. I can feel that the kitchen gets warmer much quicker on the cold winter mornings.”
P Philip, Macclesfield, UK
“The insulation came in a very easy to handle strip. It was easy to install and I haven’t had any problems since it was installed.”
Andrea P, Dublin, Ireland
For more information and to see our most frequently asked questions
on insulating a beehive please visit our blog..
How to Install Beehive Insulation
Low-E Insulation PERF is a patented breathable foil insulation with non-toxic closed-cell polyethylene core made from recycled material. Low-E Insulation works by reflecting radiant heat back to the source. Unlike many materials used to insulate hives, Low-E Insulation PERF is fully breathable and has a Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate of 0.11 MNs/g, making it the ideal product for insulating your hive.
It does not matter what type of hive you have, simply follow these steps to insulate any hive and ensure your colony are protected from the cold of winter.
Step 1
Cut and Apply Foam Tape
The foam tape will protect the insulation from catching and tearing on the hive. It will also create a small air space between the hive and the insulation which allows air to move around the hive and moisture to dissipate. Simply cut the foam tape into small, manageable pieces of approximately 3-4 inches in length. Apply the tape to the sides of each corner of your hives roof, making sure they meet flush at the corner. Then, apply the top pieces to each corner making sure they overlap the side pieces, so they sit flush and form a corner shape.
Step 2
Measure Width, Depth and Height of the Hive
Measure the width, depth and height of your hive roof and take a note of each measurement. Be sure to add 12mm to the width and depth measurements and 6mm to the height to account for the 6mm foam tape that has been applied.
Step 3
Cut the Front, Back and Side Pieces
Prepare a clean and dry surface to work on and unroll your Low-E PERF. Referencing the measurements of your hive, cut four pieces of Low-E PERF, one for the front, one for the back and two for the sides. Make sure you use a straight edge and a sharp blade when cutting to get a clean, accurate cut.
TIP: The insulation is 1.25 high, so if your hive is less than 625mm high you will be able to cut 1 piece in half and use half for the front and half for the back. You can do the same for the sides.
Step 4
Cut a Piece for the Roof
Using the width and depth measurements that you have already taken, cut a piece of Low-E PERF to cover the roof of the hive. Again, be sure to use a straight edge.
Step 5
Tape the Pieces Together
Cut four pieces of foil tape to match the length of each edge of your roof. Next, cut four pieces of foil tape to match the longest edge of your front, back and sides.
Beginning with the pieces of tape cut for the roof, fix the top of the front, back and side pieces to the roof piece. This should give you a ‘cross’ shape with the roof piece at the centre.
Now sit your insulation over your hive making sure that the roof piece is well positioned to the roof of your hive. The front, back and side pieces should now hang comfortably over the correct panels of your hive. Using your remaining pieces of foil tape, join the corners of the insulation together whilst sat in position on your hive.
TIP. There is no right or wrong order in which to tape the pieces together, however we found this way the simplest. You can tape the front back and side together and then the roof. Or you can tape them all to the roof and then tape the edges.
Step 6
Cut a Hole for Access
You now have a Low-E PERF wrap covering your hive. Find the entrance that the bees will use during the winter months and cut a small piece of the insulation away to allow access. The entrance to the hive is usually swapped for a smaller hole in the winter, keep this in mind before cutting out the access.
Your hive is now ready to handle the harsher temperatures of winter, whilst remaining accessible by simply lifting the Low-E PERF wrap on and off.
Step 7
Weather Straps
If you need to secure your hive with straps due to high winds and storms, you can put your Low-E Insulation cover over the straps to keep your colony protected.
And there you go!
A fully insulated cover AND wrap for your hive, that’s completely breathable, all ready to go for over-wintering. Most importantly, its non-toxic!!
…… did I mention it is made from recycled milk cartons?
Extended Cold Periods and Extreme Temperatures
When it gets very cold you have the option of adding extra layers of insulation above and below the hive to further protect your colony from the more extreme temperatures. Although these extra steps are optional, they are worth considering if you live in colder climates.
Insulating the base of the Hive
Using the depth and width measurements of the hive, cut a Piece of Low-E PERF to sit directly beneath the hive. Simply lift the hive and place this piece beneath.
Insulating the crown board
Remove the roof board and take the internal measurements. Cut your Low-E PERF to meet these measurements and fit this piece into the roof board of your hive, cutting out any handles there may be.
Insulate the Bottom Board
Remove the bottom board from the hive and take its measurements. Using your blade/scissors and your straight edge, cut a piece of Low-E PERF to sit in the bottom board.
TIP: make sure you make the piece of insulation slightly small than the floor to ensure the floor fits back into the runners.
Insulating the bottom board will raise the level of the floor by 5.5mm. If there is a lot of waste from your hive you maybe want to remove and clean this on a more regularly while the insulation is in place.
Pitched Roof Hives
You can follow the exact same steps as above
Cut the foam tape and place it on the corners of the hive. Measure the width, depth, and height of the hive. Measure the roof from the centre to the outer edge.
TIP. Ensure you add an extra to accommodate for the foam tape
Cut the pieces of insulation for the front, back, sides and roof. 2- Cut the pieces of insulation for the front, back, sides and roof.
Tip. You can cut to front and back to the highest point and trim to accommodate the slope of the pitched roof.
Tape the front, sides and back together along the edges. And then tape the roof in place
TIP: We found it easier to tape the roof to the sides, place the cover over the hive and then tape the roof to the front and back along the pitched edge.
The last thing to do is to cut out the entrance.
And that’s it, you’re all done !!!
Download this step by step guide as a PDF
Browse Some Applications
Low-E Reflective Insulation can be used in virtually any application where environmental control is required.
