Hi Aaron:
I kept four hives on top of my home here in (at that time Charleston
County, SC) for over ten years. The temperature here can be over a
hundred degrees in the summer with humidity over 90%. In the summer I
placed a piece of 3/4 in plywood on top of outer cover. It extended about
5 to 6 inches overhang, held in place with a couple of bricks.
The roof was not completely flat, just enough pitch for the water to run
off. The hive stand was constructed so that the hives were nearly level
with a 3/4 inch forward pitch for the water to run out when it rains.
(You may have a problem with snow buildup in the winter.)
No one ever was stung in the yard during this time.
 
Give it a try.
 
Bob Neely
Goose Creek, SC
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On Wed, 4 Jun 1997 13:31:43 EDT Aaron Morris <[log in to unmask]>
writes:
>I'm looking to make contacts with urban beekeepers in Manhattan for a
>member of my beekeeping association who does not have internet access.
>
>The specific question is, "Are there any urban beekeepers keeping bees
>on top of buildings and if so, what do you do to address the extreme
>temperatures of tar roof tops?".
>
>Aaron Morris - I think, therefore I bee!
>