A belt of an elevator system includes one or more tension elements extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, and an elastomeric jacket at least partially enveloping the one or more tension elements. The jacket defines a traction side configured to be interactive with a traction sheave of the elevator system and a back side opposite the traction side. A protective tape is applied to the elastomeric jacket at the back side. A method of assembling an elevator system includes forming a belt, and installing the belt in a hoistway of the elevator system. One or more additional components of the elevator system are installed in the hoistway. A protective tape is removed from a jacket of the belt after installation of the one or more additional components is completed.