How Deck Sanding Can Help After Winter Repairs

February 6, 2021

A giant mound of snow can cover a multitude of sins: those patches in your yard you forgot to weed, the gardening tools you left behind last season. As much as we all love the crisp sunshine of the first spring when the snow melts, it reveals all of the things we thought we could forget about over the winter.

When it comes to your deck, the feet of snow that stay on your deck in the winter may do more than just cover up your patio furniture. Built-up moisture and cold temperatures can lead to serious damage. Whether it is expanding and cracking wood or chips and scratches that develop over winter, it is crucial to take all of the appropriate measures to repair your deck after the winter.

One of the best ways to revive your deck after the winter and prevent future damage is through deck sanding. For services beyond interior home painting from ECLO Painting , here is what you should know about winter repairs for your deck with sandblasting and easing back into spring and summer fun from your deck.

Residential Sandblasting in Rhode Island

Cold temperatures and moisture can have a very negative effect on your deck. Wood panels that gather and retain moisture can be subject to dangerous mildew. Especially as temperatures rise, the ice that was once on your deck can quickly melt and turn into water, a sure sign that mildew is not too far away.

It is crucial to mitigate this issue before it becomes detrimental to your deck.

When mildew gathers, it can significantly damage the integrity of your deck. Disintegrating wood loses stability, and warping boards can loosen critical screws that hold your deck together. Removing the threat of mildew is one of the best ways to protect your deck’s integrity.

With sandblasting services from ELCO Painting, our experienced professionals ensure that your deck gets the thorough clean it needs to bring it back to its former glory.

Our team of sandblasting technicians use patented sandblasting methods to achieve the smooth, blemish-free surface necessary to reveal a healthy “like new” look for your deck.

While “sandblasting” does not always involve sand as the medium, our blasting technicians will use the appropriate medium to best serve the needs of your deck, siding, and more. Whether it is glass, sand, or another medium, media blasting is the only sure way to achieve a flawlessly smooth surface.

Contact ELCO Today

ELCO Painting offers various home painting services, media blasting services, and other carpentry and repair services to keep every room in your house in top form. Our process is simple: schedule an estimate, complete a consultation, and get exceptional results. You can count on ELCO Painting to offer high caliber services, no matter the project.

ELCO Painting is one of the premier residential paint companies serving all of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Whether you need interior painting, commercial sandblasting , or restoration services , ELCO Painting is the perfect company to meet your building’s specific needs and fit your budget.

Check us out online or call us today at 401-329-0910 to experience the ELCO difference!

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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!

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

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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.

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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…

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