Plastic top cover NICOT

01 · THE 100 MM OF SPACE

That is where the top feeder sits

The roof sits on the body leaving an inner space of 100 mm made to hold the NICOT top feeder. That lets you feed without opening the hive or uncovering the frames — lift the roof, fill it, close it — and in winter that volume of air above the nest works in your favour. Internal dimensions are 434 × 504 mm.

02 · IT STAYS PUT

Notches below, catches inside

Outside it carries notches that seat on NICOT floors, so hives stack in line on the lorry and do not shift. And inside, two catches hold it to the body: that is what saves you the classic sight of the roof lying twenty metres away after a windy night.

03 · PLASTIC OR METAL

Warmer, and no rust

Plastic insulates better than galvanised sheet, weighs little, does not rust, stands up to sun — it is UV-stabilised — and cleans thoroughly: scraper, pressure water up to 60 °C or a chlorine disinfectant, because the surface is smooth and non-porous. It is food-grade and recyclable.

04 · CONDENSATION

A warm roof asks for insulation

Here is the nuance no product page mentions: a waterproof lid that is cold on top is exactly where the vapour rising off the cluster condenses, and that water ends up dripping on the bees. That is why the manufacturer recommends fitting an insulating panel — a reflective board stuck on with double-sided tape — under the roof. That deals with the condensation and keeps the plastic from working in the August sun.

05 · BEFORE YOU BUY

It is for the NICOT Dadant 10-frame system. The top feeder and the insulation are separate: the roof leaves the space but does not include them.