FENEX – the Fort Lauderdale-based provider of custom and oversized architectural, impact and specialty windows – manufactures passive flood glazing that is ready to protect from flood water and debris impact from the moment of installation. In June 2023, FENEX’s Oversized Fixed Flood Window – Model FX-FW-01 – successfully completed FM Approvals’ testing and certification requirements for flood mitigation equipment. This is the first fixed flood glazing to be certified to ANSI/FM Approvals 2510 – the American National Standard for Flood Mitigation Equipment. This product is impact-rated and certified to withstand up to 10’ of water at a maximum width of 10’7”.
While many flood mitigation efforts are deployed when conditions indicate an increased flood risk, these fixed flood glazing products can be uniquely integrated within the permanent structure of an industrial or commercial facility without negatively impacting architectural or design preferences. The window assembly can be installed as a captured system (edges of the glass are encased by the frame) or a structurally glazed system (the glass is sitting on the outer edge of the frame). Since neither deployment nor storage are required, these types of flood windows can be both a critical and convenient component of a facility’s Flood Emergency Response Plan (FERP).
According to Mike Cedrone, Senior Engineer at FM Approvals, “FM Approved flood windows represent yet another significant addition to FM Approvals’ suite of tested and certified flood mitigation solutions that can help facilities be prepared for the extreme and rapidly changing conditions associated with flooding.”
With this approval, industrial and commercial facilities have yet another FM Approved flood mitigation solution to deploy alongside barriers, pumps, valves, wall penetration seals, and early warning flood sensors. FM Approvals continues to drive awareness and acceptance of FM Approved products that meet the requirements of rigorous loss prevention standards. The development, testing, certification, and implementation of FM Approved products contributes to the continuous improvements and advancements of property loss prevention practices.
As noted by Charlie Mahall, FM Approvals’ Senior Business Development Engineer for Fire & Flood Protection Products, “Since there is no one-size-fits-all method of flood protection, the increase in availability of tested and certified solutions with diverse applications and suitable aesthetics is a positive development for protecting a broad spectrum of building types worldwide.”
To learn more about FM Approved flood mitigation products, visit the Approval Guide or contact Charlie Mahall at +1 781-255-4884 or charles.mahall@fmapprovals.com.