Best FM Approved Flood Barriers For US Building Requirements

October 22, 2025

Analyze and compare the best types of FM Approved flood barriers for United States building codes and requirements. FM Approvals specializes in global certifications driven by data, advanced scientific research, and more than a century of proven expertise. The organization is committed to inspecting loss prevention equipment, products, and services to ensure quality, performance alignment, and technical integrity. FM Approved products are subject to rigorous testing, inspection, certification, and performance standards. Permanent barriers, opening devices, backflow prevention equipment, and sump pumps are consistently tested against Approval Standard 2510 – which involves component, material, performance, and hydrostatic inspections. These evaluations are designed to measure durability, leakage, vibration, corrosion, strength, and overall resiliency.

As a building owner, prioritize permanent, point-of-use, or temporary solutions that are certified by the following global authorities:

Read on to learn about the best FM Approved flood mitigation barriers for US building certifications and requirements.

FM Certified Pedestrian & Fire Rated Flood Doors

Protect at-risk entrances, openings, and access points with FM Certified flood proof doors. Resilient commercial flood doors are validated against the ANSI/FM Approvals 2510 standard, which sets specific limitations for maximum leakage/seepage, water height, and opening width. In addition to Factory Mutual and American National Standards Institute approvals, these permanent flood solutions exceed requirements for:

Florida product approved
ADA compliance standards
UL10C 90-minute fire rating
Lowest industry leakage rates
Forced entry, water, and windstorm protection

Secure your US commercial building with steel fire-rated doors that meet FM Approvals.

FM 2510 Automatic Industrial Pop-Up & Flip-Up Barriers

For always-in-place, self-activated storm protection, choose FM Approved pop-up and flip-up barriers. These innovative systems safeguard commercial buildings and industrial facilities from damage 24/7/365—even when personnel and teams are not present. Automatic gates are engineered for fully independent deployment, self-closing, and immediate rapid action. Upon contact with rising stormwater, devices rise into place and create a durable, watertight seal. This way, your most valuable assets, inventory, resources, and infrastructure are protected around the clock. After the storm, automatic barriers easily reset to the flat, undeployed position—enabling your normal operations and daily activities to quickly resume. Integrate FM2510 flood gates to protect your building, personnel, and equipment—even when your site is unmanned.

ANSI/FM Certified Flood Glazing Products

Protect your facility, enable uninterrupted operations, and maintain visual aesthetics with FM 2510 flood glazing products. High-strength reinforced glass is used to create a watertight seal that protects your building’s structure and storm-readiness. You can use single windows to secure vulnerable openings without sacrificing views, architecture, or appearance, or install a series of modular glazing panels to create an extended glass wall that preserves natural light and impressive visual amenities. For resilience and peace of mind, flood-proof window systems are tested at multiple impact points for debris, wind, and stormwater. Secure, protect, and preserve with ANSI/FM Certified flood windows.

FM Approved Demountable Flood Barriers

For facilities with a higher risk tolerance, consider FM Global Certified demountable flood barriers. When not in use, these systems are stored remotely off-site and are nearly impossible to detect. Once a storm notice is issued, pre-fabricated equipment, hardware, and removable stop logs are used to create a watertight seal. Fully deployed, demountable products are trusted to protect against hydrostatic pressure, flash flooding conditions, debris, and wave impact loads. Nationwide, these flexible, high-strength, removable, and lightweight systems are trusted for a diverse range of facilities, including:

Roads, bridges, and highways
Regional and international airports
Retail, shopping malls, stores, and centers
Public transit networks, systems, and subways
WWTPs and pump stations
Historical buildings and museums
Events, arenas, theaters, and venues
Outdoor parks and community spaces

Maintain accessibility and operational requirements with FM Approved demountable flood barriers.

USACE & FM Approved Flood Walls

Install USACE, ASCE, and FM compliant flood walls for resilient full-perimeter protection. Multiple authorities have tested these systems for 2-, 4-, and 6-foot water protection heights. Equipment is subject to a range of rigorous testing procedures, including:

Total assembly time
Hydrostatic and hydrodynamic tests
Wind and debris impact inspections
Riverine current analysis
Post-hydrostatic review

Having tested & compliant solutions in-place should enable peace of mind for your daily operations, team safety, corporate assets, and long-term vision. After all, the FM Approved mark is understood & recognized across the globe. Defend extended openings, access points, and entrances with FM Approved water diversion barriers.

Integrate resilient FM Approved flood barriers to meet and exceed United States building requirements. To maintain visual aesthetics, prioritize systems that seamlessly integrate with existing architecture, including fire-rated doors and glass windows, or prioritize automatic self-rising systems that are always in place. You can also consider options that are demountable, removable, and engineered for full-perimeter protection. Follow the points above to learn about the best types of FM Certified flood barriers for buildings.