Bees build comb in compliance with gravity's pull. Depending on hive design, the key is to imagine this natural tendency and then adjust or level with that in mind. Keeping 'frames' adjusted so gravity doesn't entice bees to build outside of them is the goal.
Unlike the majority of American Beeks, there are some Lang systems, especially in the North and parts of Canada that have "switched" their entrances to the 'long' sides from the short sides, primarily/allegedly for better 'behind' access when conducting inspections. They generally have their hives either 'perfectly level' or tilted toward one 'short' side.
They can look kinda funny to see a bunch of them scattered about in a yard, all tilting to one side…not always the same direction……. :laugh:
The objective of shedding water however, remains critical for the Hobby Beek IMO, both in consideration of your bees and your equipment, both of which will live longer with a means to shed water rather that hold it. It has also been (again, for those in the North) advised that a slight tipping, while keeping frames 'straight and level' can mean the difference between life and death over winter, when considering potential condensation forming, freezing, thawing and dripping directing on a cluster of winter bees, effectively killing them. No Fun….
