In this case study, CFD was used to evaluate roof modifications of an aluminum foundry. The study shows the strategies used to provide an efficient and effective computational model that will provide the key data needed to evaluate the large space and make the right modifications to maintain air temperature limits. The modeler’s understanding of fluid dynamics will be a critical element towards applying appropriate strategies in the development of the CFD model to provide a robust design evaluation tool. Care must be taken in specification of the inputs to a CFD model, and interpretation of results and associated implications.