" ... on warm days, the condensation ice melts and runs to the floor."

In a well ventilated hive you do not see the accumulation of ice seen here:
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/images/2009/DSCF5482_small.JPG

The point made about same size top and bottom entrances is well taken.  I
watch internal hive temperatures with a thermometer and check for
condensation through a plexiglas inner cover on an observation hive.  I
never see the kind of ice accumulation seen in the picture referenced above
and would feel the need to change my ventilation and insulation
arrangements if I did.  If you've got condensation ice melting and running
down to the floor on warm days then you have ice formation encapsulating
dead bees and hive debris on the floor on subsequent cold days ... which
then thaws to create an unhealthy moldy mess during the days of late
winter.  Not an optimal situation you would think.

Another insulating idea is shown here:
http://www.photoshop.com/users/jeff_hills/albums/395e701c6f654af1ac5a22642ff673e2/view#b6fb7a911ae54f36b9c87df4ec4fee3c

Two inch styrofoam insulation cut to 20" long by 8" high gives you 12
pieces out of a 2' X 8' insulating board.  Held in place
with inexpensive adjustable-length straps from strapworks.com.  These
straps also eliminate the need for rocks or bricks on top of the hive.
 Same 2" styrofoam cut to fit the inside of the cover with a lamination of
coroplast to prevent chewing.  Cover insulation stays on year 'round to
prevent the metal skin of the top of the cover from overheating the bees in
the summer.

Jeff Hills
Dorset, VT

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