Pretreatment

Ice and Snow Pretreatment in Charlotte, NC

The winter season brings ice and snow to the Charlotte area, resulting in businesses needing to invest time and resources in ice and snow removal every year. A good way to reduce costs and time associated with ice and snow removal, though, is to perform anti-icing treatments.

 

Charlotte Snow Plow provides snow and ice pretreatments for local businesses. Be smart and prepare for the winter mix with our help.

 
pushing snow using a car

Types of Pretreatment We Use

Charlotte Snow Plow makes use of a wide selection of ice and snow pretreatment solutions designed to melt and prevent ice from forming.

Potassium Chloride

Potassium chloride is best used on concrete surfaces, particularly those with rebar or wire mesh materials. This pretreatment solution melts ice and snow in low temperatures, as low as -12 degrees Fahrenheit. It also doesn’t harm plant or animal life. On the downside, potassium chloride isn’t as fast-acting as other treatments, so it’s best used in areas with a minimal amount of ice or snow.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate

Calcium magnesium acetate is best used on concrete surfaces that are two years old or younger. It doesn’t harm plant or animal life, which is why it’s often used in overlay with other ice melts. CMA can melt ice and snow in low temperatures of up to 20 degree Fahrenheit. Instead of forming a brine, CMA stops ice and snow particles from adhering to one another. It’s widely used to prevent re-freezing, though slushes may form after application

Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride is a hygroscopic compound, which means it absorbs moisture and then begins dissolving soon afterward. The dissolving process can generate heat of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, speedily melting ice and snow. It’s also less corrosive than other treatments and more environmentally friendly, though it does cost more. Calcium chloride is best used on concrete surfaces.

Potassium Acetate

Potassium acetate is a non-corrosive, biodegradable ice melt best used on steel surfaces. It has a very low freezing point of -76 degrees Fahrenheit and is friendly toward the environment. Though, potassium acetate is known for its high price tag.

Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is perfect for concrete surfaces with a high volume of vegetation nearby. It’s non-corrosive and, like calcium chloride, is hygroscopic. Magnesium chloride is a good option for a fast and effective ice melt. Though, it’s also more expensive than calcium chloride.

What Are Ice and Snow Pretreatments?

Pretreatments are used to prevent ice and snow from building up on the ground. It involves using a deicing agent to protect the surface with a thin layer of chemicals designed to stop ice from forming. Pretreatment must be accompanied by regular snow plowing to achieve the best results.

 

Pretreatments work against snow, sleet, hail, and ice. It can be used on various surfaces, such as streets, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots.

Benefits of Snow and Ice Pretreatment

Rainstorms and snowstorms are some of a business’s biggest enemies. These storms can give rise to thick snow and ice dams, making it all the more difficult for businesses to continue operations. Ice and snow can be slip hazards, both for your employees and customers. Eventually, you will need to search for “snow removal near me” in order to maintain a safe and accessible place.

 

 

  • Faster Snow Removal. Pretreatment doesn’t necessarily repel snow, but it does prevent frost and ice from forming. This allows for easier and faster snow removal after a storm.

  • Minimize Costs. Removing thick ice and snow can be a costly affair, not to mention time-consuming. In addition to expenses associated with commercial snow removal, you can also incur losses by having to stay closed while you remove snow and ice. Because pretreatment makes for a faster snow removal process, you can maximize your savings.

  • Safety. Pretreatment is also a safety precaution because it retains traction in parking lots, driveways, and walkways following a storm. This reduces the risk of slips and falls.

Ideally, pretreatment must be done before a storm hits. But, you can also apply pretreatment in the early stages of a storm or immediately following snowfall and arrive at similar results.

house covered with snow

Choose Charlotte Snow Plow Today

Charlotte Snow Plow provides fast and reliable snow pretreatment services in the Charlotte, NC area. In addition to pretreatment, we also offer snow removal, ice removal, and salting services. With years of experience and a team of highly trained technicians, we are your business’s best bet to fight the winter mix. Keep your business open and your customers safe with our help. Contact us today at 1-844-327-1986 or fill out the contact form.

Cities We Serve

Charlotte Snow Plow caters to properties in the following cities:

  • Charlotte
  • Ballantyne
  • Belmont
  • Concord
  • Cornelius
  • Dilworth
  • Gastonia
  • Huntersville
  • Indian Trail
  • Kannapolis
  • Kings Mountain
  • Lake Norman
  • Lancaster
  • Lincolnton
  • Matthews
  • Mint Hill
  • Monroe
  • Mooresville
  • Mount Holly
  • North Lake
  • Rock Hill

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is possible to pretreat a surface for ice. Pretreatment acts as a protective barrier between the concrete surface and the snow or ice that it comes in contact with. Charlotte Snow Plow offers pretreatment services to commercial properties and residential communities.

The best kinds of ice pretreatments are only available commercially. Applying pretreatments also requires special tools and equipment. As such, the best way to pretreat your driveway before an ice storm is to call on experts.

Charlotte Snow Plow uses a number of pretreatment options: potassium chloride, potassium acetate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium magnesium acetate. We apply the pretreatment chemical using commercial machines to make it as efficient as possible.

Having a good snow pretreatment strategy that involves the use of chemical deicers is the best way to keep snow from sticking to the driveway. Charlotte Snow Plow provides this service to commercial properties and residential communities in Charlotte.

Pre-salting is a good form of snow management because it prevents the snow from freezing onto the ground. This makes snow removal much easier.

Ice tends to form when there is moisture on the ground in freezing temperatures. Ice management calls for the use of chemical pretreatments to prevent ice from building up on surfaces.

The best deicers for concrete are potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium magnesium acetate. Potassium acetate, on the other hand, is best used on steel surfaces.

The longevity of a pretreatment depends on weather conditions. However, it can generally last between 3 to 7 days.