SIPs in Washington: Just the Walls or Go All In?
Guemes Island Cabin, Captured by Chad Coleman Photography
Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) in Washington State
When building or remodeling in Washington state, you’re not only considering the right layout or finishes, but you’re also planning for diverse climates, energy efficiency, construction speed, and long-term comfort. That’s why we often recommend Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) to our clients—especially those prioritizing sustainability and high-performance year-round.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits, trade-offs, regional factors, and the environmental impact of SIPs in Washington’s unique climate conditions to help you decide what works best for your project.
What Are SIPs?
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are high-performance building panels made with a thick foam insulation core sandwiched between two structural boards, usually oriented strand board (OSB). Precision-cut in a factory and delivered directly to the job site ready to assemble, SIPs come together like a puzzle—significantly reducing excessive job-site waste and speeding up construction.
Why SIPs Works Well in Washington
Washington is one of the most climate-diverse states in the U.S. Western Washington cities like Seattle, Olympia, and Bellingham face mild but wet weather, while Eastern Washington areas like Spokane, Yakima, and the Tri-Cities experience more sun with hotter summers and colder winters.
SIPs are a great fit across Washington state due to:
Excellent insulation values (high R-values) for energy savings
Air-tight construction that controls moisture and draft
Reduced heating and cooling bills
Quick installation which is ideal when building around unpredictable weather windows
Additionally, SIPs align with Washington’s sustainability goals by helping reduce carbon emissions, limiting construction waste, and lowering long-term energy usage.
Seward Park Industrial, Captured by Christopher Nelson Photography
SIPs + Sustainability in Washington
Washington State is a national leader in climate action, clean energy, and sustainable development.
SIPs align with these goals regarding:
Energy Savings: SIP homes can use up 60% less energy for heating and cooling.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Fewer emissions from heating and cooling.
Sustainable Materials: Many SIPs use FSC-certified wood and eco-friendly foam.
Minimal Waste: Prefabrication cuts down on job site waste. This is ideal in areas with strict waste reduction goals like Seattle and King County.
Moisture Control: Critical in Western WA’s damp climate, SIPs help prevent mold, mildew, and rot through superior air sealing.
Environmental Comparison
FEATURE SIPS WALL ONLY FULL SIPS HOME
Energy Efficiency High Maximum
Air Tightness Good Excellent
Material Use Moderate Higher (Optimized)
Carbon Emissions Savings Moderate Significant
Ideal For Budget-Friendly Green Builds Passive / Net Zero Homes
Key Considerations Before You Build
Building Codes: Washington’s energy code is one of the strictest in the U.S. SIPs make it easier to comply (and even exceed it).
Cost: Full SIP packages cost more upfront but often pay off in lower utility bills and shorter construction timelines. SIP walls alone still offer great performance at a lower price point than an all-in SIPs envelope.
Builder Familiarity: Work with a builder experienced in SIPs, or one who’s willing to collaborate with SIP manufacturers for guidance.
Design: SIPs work best with thoughtful planning. Designs with fewer roof angles or odd corners make for easier installation and less waste.
Local Sourcing: Look for SIP manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest to reduce shipping emissions and support regional businesses.
Incentives: Some local utilities and programs offer rebates or incentives for energy-efficient construction — especially for all-electric or solar-ready SIP homes.
Choosing How to Use SIPs
OPTION 1: SIPS FOR WALLS ONLY
Scenario: You’re building a Craftsman-style home near Olympia. You want great wall insulation but prefer a traditional attic for HVAC and/or storage.
Benefits:
Major energy efficiency upgrade without the commitment of a full SIP envelope
Flexibility for vaulted ceilings or complex rooflines
Ease when integrating with existing structures
Lower upfront material and labor costs than the full SIPs shell
Best For:
Budget-conscious new construction
Partial remodels
Homes with complex roofs or where conventional roof trusses are preferred
Builders new to SIPs construction
Whidbey High Performance, Captured by Anastasiya Homes
OPTION 2: SIPS FOR THE ENTIRE HOUSE (WALLS + ROOF + OPTIONAL FLOOR)
Scenario: A couple is building a mountain retreat near Leavenworth. They’re aiming to go off-grid and need air-tight construction to keep up with winter storms and snowfall.
Benefits:
Maximum energy efficiency and thermal performance
Consistent build quality
Ideal for achieving Passive House or Net Zero goals
Faster dry-in time, critical in Washington’s rainy climate
Fewer thermal weak points (no attic heat loss!)
Stronger, more resilient structure — ideal for high-wind and seismic areas
Best For:
High-performance homes
Modern or simple rooflines
Off-grid or remote builds (think the San Juans or Cascades)
Eco-conscious owners prioritizing long-term energy savings
Guemes Island Cabin, Captured by Chad Coleman Photography
OPTION 3: SIPS FOR THE ENTIRE HOME (WALL + ROOM + FLOOR)
Scenario: A family in Spokane wants a low-maintenance, energy-efficient home that stays warm through harsh winters and cool in summer. Using SIPs for walls and roof gives them top-tier performance with very little heating or cooling demand.
Benefits:
Full thermal envelope to drastically improve comfort and energy performance
Ideal for achieving a highly insulated, airtight thermal envelope idea for Passive House or Net Zero Goals
Cuts down drastically on HVAC needs, helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Great choice for solar-powered or all-electric homes — which are growing fast in places like Bellingham, Olympia, and Eastern WA
Best For:
Homeowners pursuing Net Zero, Passive House, or off-grid living
Homes in climate-extreme regions
Families seeking long-term savings, low maintenance, and year-round comfort
Builds in remote or weather-sensitive locations where speed and material control matter
Those designing all-electric or solar powered homes
So… Just the Walls, or the Whole House?
Choose SIP walls only if you want to upgrade improve your home’s energy performance without changing your roofing structure
Go all in with SIPs if you’re building new and want a super-efficient, airtight home that can stand up to everything Washington’s weather throws at it.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re building in the rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, the sun-drenched plateaus of Eastern Washington, or anywhere in between, SIPs offer an environmentally responsible, high-performance option. No matter which path you choose, SIPs is a smart investment in long-term comfort, sustainability, performance, and long-term savings. Using them for your walls alone is a big step towards sustainability. Going all-in with SIPs? That’s how your future-proof your investment for the long-term — and support Washington’s transition to cleaner, greener living.