3 Tips for Commercial Roof Coating

May 15, 2021

If you are preparing for an influx of customers with this year’s summer rush, you are probably checking off your list of maintenance projects to get your commercial building in shape before the busy season starts. While it is likely that you have plans for repainting walls and refinishing floors, it is time to give your roof some extra attention.

Here are three tips for commercial roof coatings with services from ELCO Painting.

How to Properly Coat a Roof

Choosing Coating Colors

Most people give very little thought to the color of their commercial roof. While aesthetic quality should certainly play a role in deciding your roof coating’s color, there is also a much more practical strategy behind roof coating colors.

Your roof is the part of your commercial building that gets the most exposure to the sun. As such, it can have a critical impact on the heating and cooling bills for your commercial building. As a business manager or owner, any investment that can improve the aesthetic quality of your business while driving down operational costs is a good idea.

Most roof coatings start off white and color can be added to them later, depending on the desires of the client. White roof coatings will have the highest level of solar reflectivity (i.e., they reflect the most sun, keeping the heat away.) Especially if you find that your cooling costs are high, sticking with a white roof is the best choice to reduce cost.

If you need a different aesthetic option or cooling costs are not an issue, the more color that is added, the lower the solar reflectivity will be.

Choosing Coating Material

There are several types of roof coatings that your painting contractor can apply to your roof.

Acrylic coatings can be used on a variety of different roof surfaces. This type of coating is excellently suiting to defend against things like hail and radiation damage, in addition to providing protection against ultraviolet waves. Acrylic coatings are also known for reducing temperatures by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Silicone coatings are highly elastic and offer great weather resistance without becoming rigid or brittle over time. This type of coating also provides great protection against ultraviolet waves, resists oxidation, and is available in a wide variety of colors.

Polyurethane coatings are known to be some of the best protection against foot traffic. These coatings also have excellent rates for impact resistance. Some professionals do note, however, that this type of coating does not offer high UV resistance, but is very durable.

Fluid-applied asphaltic rubber membrane systems are roof coatings that can help to extend the life of your roof’s current system in a cost effective manner. It’s also highly weather and waterproof.

Choosing Service Providers

Commercial roof coatings can be an expensive and time-consuming process, so it is crucial to make sure that your investments don’t go to waste. When you are selecting local painting contractors, make sure that you choose a company that knows the ins and outs of surface restoration and other complicated tasks, rather than just interior and exterior painting.

Contact ELCO Painting Today!

For an expert opinion on commercial roof coatings and more, contact ELCO Painting today. Our skilled professionals can help you make all of the best decisions to serve the needs of your commercial building and your budget.

Whether you need to make major changes or just freshen up a bit before the summer rush, ELCO Painting is ready to bring your dreams to life.

ELCO Painting is more than just an industrial painting and commercial roof coating company. company. We offer home painting services, sandblasting, and other restoration needs in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Southern Massachusetts. Check us out online or call us today at 401-329-0910 to experience the ELCO difference!

Fall Painting Projects Every Rhode Island Homeowner Should Consider

October 31, 2025
Fall in Rhode Island is more than pumpkin patches and football weekends (to be clear, it is definitely mostly about that). But it’s also prime time for painting. The air is dry, the temperatures are steady, and the sun isn’t scorching your siding. It’s basically nature’s invitation to tackle projects you’ve been putting off. From exterior touch-ups to an interior refresh before the holidays, fall gives homeowners that rare combination of good weather and motivation, and that’s worth taking advantage of. Ready to grab a brush (or at least a plan) and get a few things checked off before the frost sets in? Consider this article your first line item. Why Fall Is Ideal for Painting in Rhode Island Autumn weather in New England offers something that painters love: stability. It’s not too hot, not too humid, and rarely too cold. Paint adheres better, dries evenly, and doesn’t blister under direct sunlight like it can in midsummer. Cooler temps also mean painters, whether you or a professional crew, can work longer without racing the clock or baking under a high sun. Add in fewer bugs, drier air, and reduced pollen, and you’ve got the recipe for beautiful finishes inside and out.

What’s the Best Way to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in Rhode Island?

October 22, 2025
Transform your Rhode Island kitchen with professional cabinet painting. Discover the process, benefits, and why quality makes all the difference.

Project Spotlight: Sandblasting a Historic Mill Building in Chelsea, MA

September 29, 2025
Like many historic mills in New England , this building carried the weight of decades: peeling paint, dust, grime, and coatings that had long since lost their integrity. Ceilings, brick walls, and wood columns were all hidden beneath layers of paint that dulled the building’s original character. Simply painting over the old surfaces wasn’t an option. To get it ready for renovation, and its next phase of life as modern apartments, the space needed to be stripped back to its bones, restored, and sealed. That’s where our specialized sandblasting services came in. The Process: Sandblasting, Step by Step Sandblasting is as much about precision as it is about power. For this project, we worked floor by floor over three levels, using specialized equipment to remove years of buildup. Protecting the space. Before blasting, we set up containment to control dust and debris, ensuring the process stayed safe and efficient. Stripping surfaces. Using the right abrasive medium and calibrated pressure, we blasted away paint from the ceilings, brick, and wooden support columns. The goal wasn’t to erase history but to reveal it; to uncover the original materials while preserving their integrity. Revealing character. Once stripped, the natural beauty of the brick and timber shone through, showing off the craftsmanship that had been hidden for years. It never gets old!

Cabinet Paint Color Inspiration for Your Rhode Island Home

September 17, 2025
Looking for cabinet color inspiration? Explore trending blues, greens, and whites, and see why painting is a smart alternative to full replacement.

Cabinet Painting in North Kingstown – Is It Right for Your Kitchen?

August 19, 2025
In North Kingstown, the kitchen is often the busiest room in the house; part cooking space, part gathering spot, part drop zone for everything from school backpacks to yesterday’s mail. Which also means your cabinets can start to show the battle scars over time: faded finishes, chipped corners, and maybe a mystery stain or two. When that happens, you’re faced with a choice: replace your cabinets entirely or give them a professional paint makeover? Well, when done right, painting can actually transform your kitchen, extend the life of your cabinetry, AND cost far less than a full remodel! (Plus, it spares you from spending weeks reheating dinner in the laundry room). Why Cabinet Painting? Painting your cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh, modern look without the price tag (or demolition dust) of a full remodel.  Some of the biggest benefits include: Cost savings: On average, cabinet painting costs 50 to 70% less than full replacement. Less disruption: Most professional cabinet painting projects take 4 to 7 days, and your kitchen stays mostly functional during the process. A full replacement can take 3 to 6 weeks or longer. Eco-friendly: Reusing your existing cabinets can prevent hundreds of pounds of wood, metal, and composite materials from ending up in a landfill. Customization: Choose any color, from crisp whites to bold blues, for a personalized style. Think of it as the difference between buying an entirely new wardrobe or just getting your clothes tailored and dry-cleaned. Both improve your look, but one is a lot gentler on your wallet.

Year-Round Exterior Painting & Maintenance Tips for Rhode Island Businesses

July 30, 2025
Rhode Island weather doesn’t go easy on buildings. Between salty winters, humid summers, and everything in between, your commercial property’s exterior is working overtime just to keep up appearances. That’s why we put together this seasonal checklist to help you stay ahead of the wear and tear. Whether you manage a restaurant, retail storefront, office building, or high-traffic hospitality space, staying proactive with exterior maintenance protects your investment, boosts curb appeal, and keeps your business looking as sharp as the service you offer. Let’s walk through what to watch for, season by season. Spring: Refresh and Recover After a long winter, spring is about repair and renewal. Snow, salt, and ice can take a toll on every surface, so now’s the time to clean up and fix the damage. What to focus on: Inspect roofing and flashing for signs of water intrusion, missing shingles, or debris buildup. Clean out gutters and downspouts so spring rain drains properly instead of pooling. Power wash sidewalks and patios to remove grime, salt, and mildew. Touch up or repaint worn areas of your façade, signage, or trim, especially if peeling paint is visible. Inspect windows and doors for broken seals or cracked glass. Refresh landscaping to reframe your exterior with clean lines and healthy greenery. Pro tip: Spring moisture can hide mildew in shaded areas. If power washing doesn’t cut it, a repaint with the right mildew-resistant coating will make a big difference.

Project Spotlight: A Fast-Track Warehouse Repaint in Warwick, RI

July 17, 2025
We’re excited to share a recent commercial repaint that really showcases what Elco Painting is all about: efficiency, precision, and of course, a top quality finish. This project took us to Warwick, Rhode Island, where we tackled a full warehouse repaint with a tight two-week turnaround. Yes, it was a big space. And yes it was a tight timeline. But too much for us to handle? Not a chance! Let’s walk you through how we made it happen and why projects like this are such a good fit for our team. The Scope: A Full-Scale Commercial Warehouse Repaint Commercial warehouses don’t paint themselves, and this one was ready for a fresh coat. We were brought in to transform the look and feel of the space, inside and out. Here’s what was involved: Ceiling spray application with dry fall paint. We used this specialized product for fast coverage and minimal cleanup. Dry fall is ideal for high ceilings. Basically overspray dries before it hits the ground, meaning less mess and more control. Bright white repainting of walls and overheads. Clean white brings instant brightness to a space like this, improving lighting and making everything feel more modern and organized. Bold orange accents on beams and columns. This was a standout design decision. It not only gave the space a pop of color but also helped define structural elements visually, which can be a big plus in busy, high-traffic facilities. We knew the clock was ticking, and planning was everything. From mobilizing the right crew to choosing the right materials, we coordinated every phase of the project to meet the deadline without cutting corners. Watch the quick video below to see a before, during, and after perspective!

Deck Staining vs. Painting: Which Is Better for Your Outdoor Space?

By Christine Lekberg • June 30, 2025
When it comes to sprucing up your deck , you’ll eventually run into The Question. You know the one: “Should I stain my deck… or paint it?” It’s a tough call. Both options offer protection. Both can look great. And both come with their own baggage. In this post, we’re unpacking the pros, cons, and all the murky in-between so you can confidently choose the finish that fits your deck and your sanity. No deep YouTube rabbit holes required. The Basics: What’s the Real Difference? Before you can pick sides, you’ve gotta know the players. Stain and paint may both live in the same aisle at the hardware store, but they’re totally different animals when it comes to how they treat your wood. Let’s break down what each one actually does. Staining soaks into the wood, enhancing its natural beauty, letting the wood grain shine through. Painting, on the other hand, coats the surface, covering blemishes and adding color. Want a white deck? Navy blue? Go for it. Just remember: you’re covering the wood grain entirely. Durability: Does Paint or Stain Last Longer On a Deck? Let’s not sugarcoat it: paint is more durable, especially the high-quality exterior kind. It forms a thick barrier that helps repel UV rays, moisture, and other deck-destroying villains. Stain isn’t as robust, but it’s no slouch either. Oil-based stains offer solid protection and tend to wear away gradually, which sounds bad, but it’s actually easier to manage. So who wins? If your deck gets a lot of sun or moisture, paint does last longer. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the better choice…

How to Prepare Your Building for Summer Painting Projects: Tips for RI Property Owners

May 18, 2025
When the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s not just beachgoers and boaters heading outside; it’s painting crews, too. Summer is prime time for giving your building a facelift, whether it’s a touch-up or a full exterior repaint . But before you break out the color swatches and book a crew, there’s one thing you need to know: good painting starts with great prep. Whether you own a commercial building in Providence, manage a multi-family property in Warwick, or run a boutique storefront, this guide will help you get your building paint-ready, so your summer project finishes on time, on budget, and without the “uh-oh” surprises. Assess Before You Address Before anyone shows up with a paint sprayer, it’s time to take a walk around the building. What’s peeling? What’s faded? What’s quietly rotting behind the trim like a summer horror story? Paint won’t stick to problems; it just hides them for a minute. So check for things like wood rot, water damage, cracks in siding, or loose trim. If you spot anything questionable, now’s the time to call in a pro. Plan Your Exterior Repaint Around the Weather (Because It’s Rhode Island, After All) Summer may be painting season, but let’s be honest: Rhode Island weather has a flair for the dramatic. One minute it’s sunny and dry, the next it’s 85 degrees with 90% humidity and a surprise thunderstorm thrown in just because. Paint loves stable weather—ideally between 50° and 85°F, with low humidity and no rain in the forecast. So plan your project with a bit of buffer time. Don’t schedule tight deadlines that hinge on a perfect 3-day stretch. Spoiler: Mother Nature does not care about your calendar.

Why North Kingstown Homes Need Regular Exterior Painting: Salt Air & Seasonal Wear

April 30, 2025
Salt air and Rhode Island’s wild seasons can wear down your home fast. Learn why regular exterior painting in North Kingstown is essential protection.