How effective are hurricane shutters in minimizing the damage of a serious storm?

Answer 1

Windows are the most vulnerable part of any construction. The purpose of hurricane shutters is to prevent wind-borne projectiles from crashing through the windows of a home. Hurricane shutters are constructed to deflect, usually by way of louvered or ridged surfaces, objects like the neighbors barbecue grill or a lawnmower or large tree limbs. Hurricane shutters are a defense against the objects tossed around by the wind. Once the integrity of the home is breeched, water can enter the home and cause extensive damage. Hurricane shutters are effective in doing the job they are intended for; they of course provide no protection from falling trees, roof damage or from the rains and flooding that often follows. The Saffir-Simpson Scale offers an excellent idea of the potential damage of a hurricane. There is a point at which damage is inevitable: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshs.shtml