Garage Door Spring Color Codes

Garage door springs are an essential part of the door's operation, providing the tension needed to lift and lower the door smoothly. Springs are color-coded to indicate their strength, making it easy to select the correct spring for your garage door's weight and size. Understanding garage door spring color codes is crucial for proper installation and maintenance.

Standard Spring Color Codes

The industry standard for garage door spring color codes is as follows:

Red: Extra-light duty
Orange: Light duty
Blue: Medium duty
Green: Heavy duty
Yellow: Extra-heavy duty
Purple: Commercial-grade

The color code is usually painted on the end of the spring for easy identification during installation.

Determining Spring Strength

The strength of a garage door spring is determined by its wire diameter and the number of coils. Springs with a larger wire diameter and fewer coils are stronger than those with a smaller wire diameter and more coils. The color code provides a general indication of spring strength, but it's important to consult the manufacturer's specifications for precise strength measurements.

Spring Selection

Selecting the correct spring strength is crucial for safe and efficient garage door operation. Too weak a spring will not provide enough tension to lift the door, while too strong a spring can put unnecessary stress on the door and its components. The following table provides a general guide to spring selection based on garage door weight:

Garage Door Weight	Spring Color Code
Up to 100 lbs	Red or Orange
101-200 lbs	Blue
201-300 lbs	Green
301-400 lbs	Yellow
Over 400 lbs	Purple (Commercial-grade)

Additional Considerations

In addition to spring strength, there are other factors to consider when selecting garage door springs, including:

Door type: Sectional doors require different springs than roll-up doors.
Door size: Larger doors require stronger springs than smaller doors.
Insulation: Insulated doors weigh more and require stronger springs.
Operating conditions: Springs are more susceptible to wear and tear in extreme temperatures or coastal environments.

Safety Precautions

Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous if handled improperly. Always follow proper safety precautions when working with springs: