Garage door springs are a vital component of your door system and are constantly used whenever the door is opened or closed. Unfortunately, wear and tear will break down the springs over time, making them unfunctional. Once the springs break down, it becomes more challenging to open and close the door safely. Therefore, choosing the suitable one is essential when it is time for a garage door replacement.
The Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA), a leading garage door organization, developed the Garage Door Springs Color Coding System to aid in proper identification for repair, ordering, and warehousing purposes. Springs with color coding schemes can be found on most garage doors. The colors correspond with the different sizes and weights of the springs. This blog will teach you more about garage door spring color coding.
Types of Garage Door Springs
Torsion Spring
The torsion spring is a vital component of the garage door, assisting with the opening and closing the heavy door. The spring is attached to a horizontal bar above the door and twists and tightens as the door closes. When the door is opened, the spring unwinds and helps lift the door’s weight—making it possible to open a heavy garage door with relative ease.
Extension Spring
Tension springs are the more commonly used and less expensive type of spring for garage doors. They are attached on both sides of the door tracks and linked to cables running to the bottom brackets on each side. These cables then go through a series of pulleys to reach the springs. As a result, tension springs expand and contract as the door is opened and closed, rather than twisting.
Color Coding on Extension Springs
The colors of extension springs indicate the amount of door weight they can lift. Two springs of the same color can raise the same amount of weight. There are ten colors, so the colors repeat for springs designed for lighter or heavier doors.
Color Code Chart for Garage Door Extension Springs
COLOR POUNDS KILOGRAMS
White 110 50
Green 120 55
Yellow 130 60
Blue 140 65
Red 150 70
Brown 160
Orange 170 75
Gold 180 80
Light Blue 190 85
Tan 200 90
Color Code Chart for Garage Door Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are often color-coded to indicate the wind’s direction and the wire gauge. It can be helpful when determining how best to use the spring. For example, if your garage door springs have red cones, they should be installed on the left side. Right-wound springs are designed to be installed this way. Springs with black cones are left-wound and should be installed on the right side of the garage door.
The torsion spring is color-coded so technicians can quickly determine the wire’s thickness or gauge without measuring it. In addition, color coding allows the technician for quick and accurate repairs or replacements. Remember that the wire gauge colors are different for each type of spring.
The Wire Gauge Colors are as Follows:
Color Inches Millimeters
Orange .120/.192/.273/.363/.485 3.00/4.20/6.25/8.00/11.10
Light Blue .125/.200/.283/.375/.4900 xx/4.50/6.40/8.10/11.50
Yellow .135/.207/.289/.394/.500 3.20/4.60/6.50/8.40/11.70
White .139/.218/.295/.406/.531 xx/4.70/6.80/8.80/12.00
Red .143/.225/.297/.422/.563 3.40/4.80/7.00/9.20/12.30
Brown .148/.234/.307/.431/.625 xx/5.00/7.30/9.60/13.00
Tan .156/.238/.313/.438 3.50/5.25/7.35/10.00
Green .162/.244/.319/.453 3.60/5.50/7.50/10.50
Gold .177/.250/.331/.462 xx/5.75/7.60/10.70
Purple .182/.257/.594 3.80/6.00/12.50
Blue .188/.263/.344/.469 4.00/6.05/7.80/11.00
Torsion springs have a line running across them that helps technicians determine the spring’s tension. This line will distort as the spring is “charged,” giving the technician a reading of how tight the spring is wound.
The color coding system is designed to help identify the correct garage door springs for repair or replacement. It does not affect how you use or experience your garage door and is not something you need to know about. DASMA devised the system to aid companies performing garage door repair services. Though it may seem cryptic, it serves an essential purpose.
Final Thoughts
The garage door springs are the most dangerous part of your garage’s overhead door mechanism. They store vast amounts of energy and can cause severe injury or death if released accidentally. Please do not put yourself at risk by replacing the springs on your own. Garage door springs should only be handled and installed by garage door professionals.
Garage Door Repair near Me
Although it is possible to select and purchase garage door springs on your own, it is advisable to call Palms Garage Doors service for garage door spring replacement, garage door installation, or any garage door repair services you may need. Palms Garage Doors company has the experience and expertise necessary to ensure that the job is done correctly. Palms Garage Doors offers high-quality service and a client satisfaction guarantee, serving the Greater Bay Area from San Francisco to San Jose and Oakland. Call Us now for free estimates.
