How to Make Your Own Salt Cakes for Melting Roof Snow

Heavy snow on a roof can cause a range of problems, even a roof collapse. Helping snow melt might make the difference between an annoyance and a spending a large amount on repairs. Calcium chloride crystals, which come in bags or buckets, are the standard for melting ice and snow. Making a cake of them ensures they wind up on the roof where they're needed, instead of being scattered to the wind.

Heavy-duty scissors
Fine-weave burlap material
Calcium chloride crystals
Cord

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the burlap into squares approximately 8 inches to a side, using the scissors.
- 2
  Place a cup of crystals into the middle of the burlap square.
- 3
  Pull the corners up and tightly press the sides of the square together above the crystals. Eliminate any gaps along the side.
- 4
  Tie a piece of cord tightly around the burlap sides just above the crystals, using a bowline knot. You may need an assistant to help you hold and tie. Cut the cord to fit and trim any excess burlap above the cord.
- 5
  Grip the filled burlap sack tightly in hand similar to a baseball. Throw it to the roof where snow accumulation is projected to be the greatest or where it's already high.

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