NCARB PDD Exam - Topic 2 Question 15 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCARB's PDD exam

Question #: 15
Topic #: 2

The client requests to limit daylighting in a second-story bedroom located in the northeast corner of a new house, especially in the mornings. The architect is considering options for the windows in terms of quantity, size, type, and location, and notes that emergency escape and rescue openings must provide a minimum clear opening of 5.7 square feet.

AThree 2' x 2' awning windows on the east wall

BOne 4' x 4' fixed window on the north wall

CTwo 3' x 2' casement windows on the east wall

DOne 3' x 5' double-hung window on the north wall

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: D

Emergency egress requires minimum 5.7 sq ft clear opening (net).

Double-hung windows' clear opening is about half the sash area. A 3'5' nominal size gives 32.5 = 7.5 sq ft gross, ~6.25 sq ft clear meets code.

North wall placement minimizes direct morning sunlight (vs. east wall).

A: 2'2' awning too small and awnings don't count for egress in most cases.

B: Fixed windows do not meet egress operability requirements.

C: Two 3'2' casements on east wall each only 6 sq ft gross, and east wall gets morning sun, opposite client's goal.

PDD Reference: IBC 1030 Emergency Escape and Rescue; ARE 5.0 PDD ''Code compliance---Daylighting control & egress.''

by Crista at May 28, 2026, 03:54 AM

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