Frank asks whether I would advise the use of Homosote boards in his severe climate.

Frank, the best answer you are going to get will be from a successful commercial beekeeper who over winters in your area.  Next best will be from a successful sideliner...one with more than 25 hives who has been a beekeeper for more than 10 years.  Try to get an answer from one of those sources.

My best reply is that the Homosote boards will do no harm and you can use them if you wish.  HOWEVER, and this is big...do not use them in a manner that will impede upper ventilation.  If the Homosote boards work to impede air movement from inside the hive to the outside, you are likely to winter poorly.

Two very simple methods of adding upper ventilation:

1.  Take beer bottle caps and put one under each front corner of the inner cover, then replace the outer cover.
2.  With a batter powered drill, make 1/4" holes in the top front of the highest hive body.  Say, six holes anywhere above the handhold.

Hope this helps,

Lloyd
Lloyd Spear, Owner of Ross Rounds, Inc.
Manufacturer of round comb honey equipment and Sundance pollen traps