CMS Corridor Door Gap Requirements

What does CMS say about the gap between the door and the door frame for a corridor door?

In a smoke compartment that is not fully sprinklered, a gap between the face of a corridor door and the door stop should not exceed 1/4 inch, provided that the door latch mechanism is functioning.

In a smoke compartment that is fully sprinklered, a gap between the face of a corridor door and the door stop should not exceed 1/2 inch, provided that the door latch mechanism is functioning. This information applies to corridor doors other than those in required enclosures of vertical openings, exits, and hazardous areas. This information does not apply to doors in smoke barriers, which have other requirements.

The majority of existing health care facilities have solid core wood doors in the corridors, particularly doors to resident or patient sleeping rooms. These doors are usually 36” to 44” wide. Wide wood doors such as those used in health care facilities will expand and contract due to changes in temperature and humidity, and over time warp to some degree. It is not practical, particularly on the latch side of the door, to maintain a minimum of a 1/8 inch gap. For example, a 36” to 44” wood door installed during a dry period with a 1/8 inch gap may not close and latch when the humidity is high. A 1/8-inch gap is not sufficient clearance for proper operation of these doors.