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NCARB Project-Planning-Design Exam - Topic 3 Question 8 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCARB's Project-Planning-Design exam
Question #: 8
Topic #: 3
[All Project-Planning-Design Questions]

A 100,000-square-foot distribution warehouse has roof drains around the perimeter.

Which combination of structure and roofing system insulation is most cost effective?

Show Suggested Answer Hide Answer
Suggested Answer: C

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Open web joists allow longer spans and reduce steel use, lowering structure costs.

Level roofs with tapered rigid insulation direct water toward drains without requiring sloping of the structure, reducing structural complexity and cost.

Sloped structures (B, D) require more framing and labor.

Tapered insulation effectively provides slope for drainage on a flat roof.

Therefore, level open web joists with tapered rigid insulation provide the best cost-efficiency.


ARE 5.0 PPD -- Building Systems and Assemblies, Roof Systems

The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition -- Roof Design

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by Julio at Nov 21, 2025, 04:15 PM

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Judy
9 hours ago
Tapered insulation is definitely the way to go!
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Bethanie
6 days ago
Wait, are we sure sloped roofs are really better?
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Dante
11 days ago
B could work too, but it might be pricier.
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Long
16 days ago
I disagree, C seems more practical for drainage.
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Ling
21 days ago
I think A is the best option for cost efficiency.
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Phyliss
26 days ago
Haha, who needs a roof when you can just let the rain in? Option D all the way!
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Linn
1 month ago
I'm torn between A and C, but I think I'll go with C. Tapered insulation is the key to keeping costs down.
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Graciela
1 month ago
Definitely going with option B. The sloped rigid frame with rigid insulation is the way to go for maximum efficiency.
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Rashad
1 month ago
I'm a bit confused about the differences between rigid and tapered insulation; I feel like I need to review that section again.
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Rochell
2 months ago
Alright, let me think this through step-by-step. The insulation is the biggest cost driver, so I'll start by evaluating the R-value and cost per square foot of the rigid vs. tapered options. Then I'll factor in the structural frame differences.
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Gertude
2 months ago
Ugh, I hate these types of questions that require weighing multiple factors. I'm just going to make my best guess and move on. Hopefully I can make up points elsewhere on the exam.
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Tamra
2 months ago
Okay, I think I've got this. The key is to consider both the insulation and the structural system. Tapered rigid insulation is probably the most efficient, so I'd focus on options A and C.
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Oliva
2 months ago
I remember practicing a similar question, and I think sloped systems generally perform better, so maybe option D?
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Stephane
2 months ago
Option C seems like the most cost-effective choice with the level open web joists and tapered rigid insulation.
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Ardella
2 months ago
I think option A might be the most cost-effective since tapered insulation can help with drainage, but I'm not entirely sure.
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Romana
3 months ago
I lean towards option C because open web joists can be more economical, but I’m not confident about the insulation type.
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Catina
3 months ago
Option D is the clear winner here. Sloped open web joists with rigid insulation - can't beat that!
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Gail
3 months ago
Hmm, I'm a little unsure about the differences between the structural frame options. I'll need to review my notes on the pros and cons of rigid frames versus open web joists.
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Franklyn
3 months ago
This seems like a pretty straightforward question about the most cost-effective roofing system for a large warehouse. I'd probably start by comparing the insulation options and how they impact the overall cost.
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