Looking for storm surge gates installation in Florida?  FDC installs storm surge gates and ballistic gates at substations, utility companies and other critical infrastructure sites.

In 2025, Florida Door Control of Orlando (FDC) helped a Florida utility company defend one of its coastal substations against two major threats: hurricane storm surge and unauthorized access. This coastal substation – essential for delivering power to the region – was vulnerable to flooding from hurricanes and needed better security at its entrance. FDC was brought on board to provide a turnkey storm surge gates solution. The result was a successful installation of storm surge gates, a PS Industries HS-560 Sliding Flood Barrier, coupled with FDC’s StrongWeld Defender security gate, creating a formidable shield for the facility. This case study illustrates how FDC’s nearly 50 years of expertise delivered peace of mind by protecting critical infrastructure from both Mother Nature and security breaches.

Project Goals and Solution Overview

Goal 1: To address the risk of hurricane-driven storm surge on Florida’s Atlantic coast, FDC installed the PS Industries HS-560 flood barrier— heavy-duty sliding storm surge gates engineered to protect critical infrastructure. Designed for Risk Category IV facilities, the HS-560 is capable of withstanding up to 5 feet of hydrostatic water pressure, making it resilient enough for worst-case storm scenarios. The barrier panel, constructed from robust aluminum, slides horizontally across the substation entrance to form a watertight seal. It features compressible gasket seals along its edges that latch tightly against reinforced jambs, ensuring zero water ingress under pressure. The panel travels on a stainless-steel embedded track system cast into the concrete threshold, and adjustable leveling rods are used during installation to ensure precise alignment. The surrounding CMU wall was fully grout-filled to provide structural strength for anchoring, and the entire assembly—including jambs, tracks, and panel—was installed plumb and square with continuous gaskets and sealant beads to guarantee water tightness. Compliant with ASCE 7 design criteria and manufacturer specifications, the HS-560 provides the utility company with confidence that even a major hurricane won’t compromise the substation’s critical systems.

Goal 2: Security and Access Control. The substation also needed to prevent trespassing and vehicle intrusion. For day-to-day security, FDC installed its StrongWeld Defender vehicle gate as the new entry gate. The StrongWeld Defender is a high-security sliding gate, known for its strength and durability in protecting critical sites like power plants. Under normal operations, the StrongWeld gate stays closed to keep intruders out, while the storm surge gates stay in an open “stored” position. The beauty of FDC’s solution is that when a storm threatens, the HS-560 flood barrier can be deployed in front of the StrongWeld gate, sealing off the entire entrance against floodwaters. This two-layer system (security gate + storm surge gates) ensures the substation is secure on sunny days and safe from floods on stormy days.

Overcoming Challenges with Expertise

Every project has its hurdles, and this one was no exception. Here’s how FDC overcame key challenges to deliver storm surge gates successfully:

• Complex Coordination: Installing storm surge gates and an automated ballistic gate means juggling different trades and components. FDC acted as the quarterback, coordinating between the general contractor, concrete masons, electricians, and the flood barrier manufacturer. Thanks to clear communication and scheduling, everyone knew their role and when to do their part. This teamwork ensured that the site was ready for each phase – from pouring a level concrete base to wiring up the gate controls – without delays.
• Correcting Foundation Levels: When the concrete pad was found unlevel, FDC drew on its technical expertise to resolve the issue. The team surveyed the slab and identified the low spots. Rather than tearing out the concrete, FDC employed a precision grinding and epoxy grout approach: they ground down high points and used high-strength, non-shrink grout to fill low areas, creating a level surface within the tolerance needed. They also adjusted the leveling rods in the barrier’s bottom track to fine-tune the panel alignment, ensuring the barrier would seal properly despite the initial concrete discrepancy.
• Tight-Space Installation Strategies: FDC’s installers are highly experienced in retrofitting equipment in confined sites. They conducted careful measurements and trial fittings for the gate posts and flood barrier. In the tight area available, they used small-scale concrete drills and custom rigging to set the heavy posts and panel without disturbing nearby structures. The flood barrier’s modular components (tracks, jambs, panel) were assembled systematically in place. FDC’s precise execution meant that, despite the cramped space, the gate and barrier were installed to spec with no damage to adjacent equipment.
• Last-Minute Equipment Glitches: A few small equipment issues popped up, but FDC’s seasoned crew had seen it all before. They quickly sourced replacements and installed them without missing a beat. By anticipating potential snags (and having backup plans), FDC ensured these hiccups didn’t derail the project.

Through each challenge, FDC’s attitude was, “We’ve got this covered.” Their nearly 50-year track record meant that problems were solved swiftly on site. The client was kept in the loop the whole time, so there were no surprises – only solutions.

Results: Resilience Achieved

Upon completion, the general contractor and the utility were thrilled with the results. FDC delivered exactly what was promised: a high-quality, robust flood and security solution, on time and on budget. Here are the key outcomes and benefits:

• Hurricane-Ready Protection: In tests and inspections, the HS-560 flood barrier performed flawlessly. When closed, its gasketed panels sealed tightly against the frame, indicating it will hold back floodwaters as designed. The substation now has a proven defense for the next big storm – a fact that brings huge peace of mind to the utility operators, especially during hurricane season.
• Enhanced Security: The StrongWeld Defender gate stood tall as an imposing security upgrade. It’s a dramatic improvement over the old chain-link gate that was there before. With its ballistic-grade construction, the StrongWeld gate sends a clear message: this site is secure. Since the project completion, the substation has had no security breaches, and daily access for authorized personnel is smooth and controlled (thanks to the integrated access control system FDC installed).
• Professional Execution: The project finished by November 2025. The general contractor commended FDC’s professionalism and ability to solve problems on the fly.
• Client Peace of Mind: In the end, the utility client gained more than just physical hardware; they gained confidence. Their coastal substation is now resilient against natural disasters with storm surge gates and secure against human threats with ballistic gates. The client highlighted how relieving it is to know that when a hurricane warning comes, they can deploy the flood barrier and focus on other preparations, trusting that the substation is protected. Likewise, the improved gate means they worry less about vandals or intruders. FDC’s solution will protect the utility’s investment in this site for decades to come.

Storm Surge Gates & StrongWeld Defender

This project is a shining example of how Florida Door Control (FDC) helps protect critical infrastructure through innovation and experience. By installing the PS Industries HS-560 sliding flood barrier and the StrongWeld Defender security gate, FDC delivered a one-two punch of safety and security for the coastal substation. The formal technical requirements – from meeting ASCE 7 standards to achieving a perfect installation on an unlevel site – were all met or exceeded. But just as importantly, FDC provided top-notch customer service, keeping the project on track and the client informed at every step.

Now, the substation stands ready to face down hurricanes and would-be intruders alike. Floodwaters will be kept at bay by storm surge gates, and the lights will stay on for the community that depends on this facility. This successful outcome has reinforced FDC’s reputation as a go-to specialist for complex projects that demand reliability, technical know-how, and a commitment to excellence. It’s a story of turning challenges into triumph – and FDC is proud to have made this coastal substation a safer, more resilient part of Florida’s power grid.

FDC delivers comprehensive physical security and access control solutions for critical infrastructure facilities across Florida. We’re a trusted, professional partner known for reliable execution, clear communication, and systems that perform when it matters. From initial site assessment to engineered design-build deployment and long-term service support, we help airports, utilities, and military environments strengthen protection without disrupting operations. Our team focuses on practical, compliant solutions—built around your workflows, risk profile, and facility realities. When specialized perimeter requirements arise, including crash-rated barriers and tilt gates, FDC can travel to deliver capabilities that are difficult to source elsewhere.

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