138T Whittier School Roman Blue

138T/238T Standing Seam Roof Panel

Symmetrical, machine-seamed standing seam panels engineered for superior weathertightness, full panel replaceability, and flexible installation.

McElroy Metal’s 138T and 238T Systems use a unique T-seam that lets installers start or stop anywhere on the roof while maintaining a continuous factory-applied sealant for long-term performance. 

Renderings & Profiles

Great for:

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WALLS
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ROOFS
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RESIDENTIAL
commercial-icon
COMMERCIAL
McElroy Metal 138T Plank & Pencil Rib Rendering
McElroy Metal 238T Plank & Pencil Rib Rendering
138T Profile 1
138T Profile 2
138T Profile 3
138T Profile 4
138T Profile 5
238 T Profile 1
238 T Profile 2
238 T Profile 3
238 T Profile 4
138T/238T Standing Seam Roof Panel Specs at a Glance
Panel Type
Rib Height
Major Rib On Center
Cover Width
Factory Panel Length
Onsite Forming Available
Substrate/Gauges
Installation
Finishes
Minimum Slope
Concealed fastener, mechanically seamed
138T: 1 3/8”; 238T: 2 3/8”
N/A
138T: 12", 16", or 18”; 238T: 16", 18” or 24” (site formed only)
Up to 80' (varies by manufacturing facility)
Yes
24 GA Galvalume®-see notes below for additional options
138T: Solid Deck; 238T: Solid Deck or Open Framing
Kynar 500® (PVDF); Galvalume® Plus (acrylic-coated)
138T: 1:12; 238T: ½:12

138T/238T Ideal Applications

  • Facilities where future modifications or equipment changes are expected, since individual panels can be easily removed and replaced without disturbing adjacent roof sections.

  • Low-slope roofs that require exceptional weathertightness and tested uplift performance.

  • New construction and retrofit roofing for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.

  • Architectural or structural installations requiring sleek aesthetics with concealed fasteners.

  • Metal-over-shingle recover projects using the 138T system, and metal-over-metal recover projects using the 238T system.

Regal Blue 238T Standing Seam Panel
Ash Gray 138T Shingle Recover
238T on Fire Station
138T on Personal Residence
Evergreen - 138T Recover
138T & 238T Standing Seam on Church
138T & 238T Standing Seam System on Arena
Cooper 138T Standing Seam Panel

138T/238T Top 3 Benefits

  1. Easy Panel Replacement and Repair: Unique T-seam design allows individual panels to be replaced anywhere on the roof without cutting or disturbing adjacent panels—making long-term maintenance simple, efficient, and cost-effective.

  2. Flexible Start/Stop Installation: Unlike traditional standing seam systems that must begin at a specific edge, the 138T and 238T systems allow crews to start and stop installation anywhere on the roof, improving jobsite flexibility and reducing downtime caused by weather or sequencing.

  3. Enhanced Weathertight Seal: The panel’s factory-applied sealant runs continuously past the clip location, rather than being interrupted, creating a tighter, more watertight system that performs exceptionally in severe weather conditions.

Compare our standing seam panels using the tool below.

For information on all McElroy Metal products, visit our full product library.


Panel
Seam Type
Rib Height
Panel Widths
Minimum Slope
Install Substrate
Clips
Substrate / Gauges
Coating
Notable Approvals / Tests
138T/238T Standing Seam Roof Panel
Mechanical seam (symmetrical)
138T: 1 3/8”; 238T: 2 3/8”
138T: 12", 16", or 18”; 238T: 16", 18” or 24” (site formed only)
138T: 1:12; 238T: ½:12
138T: Solid Deck; 238T: Solid Deck or Open Framing
N/A
24 GA Galvalume®-see notes below for additional options
Kynar 500® (PVDF); Galvalume® Plus (acrylic-coated)
UL 263 Class A; UL 580 Class 90; UL 2218 Class 4; ASTM E1592; TDI (Aluminum 138T or Steel 238T over Plywood Deck); Florida Product Approval; Miami Dade; FM 4471 (238T only); ICC-ES Listing (238T Only)

Weathertightness Warranties

If your project requires a Weathertightness Warranty and you don’t already have a job-specific Pre-Approval Form issued by McElroy Metal, click the button below to get started.

Shop Drawing Service

Running short of time to complete your own shop drawings? McElroy Metal can help. Click the button below to provide us some basic information and we’ll be in touch soon to discuss your project specifics.

Download Shop Drawings

If you’re creating your own shop drawings, click the button below to gain full access to our CAD and PDF Files.

Curving Information

  • 138T panels can be curved (16”, 18” width only)

  • 238T panels can be curved (16”, 18” widths only)

  • 138T, 238T, and Multi-Span Clips are curved onsite by McElroy curving technicians

  • Minimum Radius:

    • 138T Steel - 10’ radius

    • 238T Steel - 40’ radius

    • 138T Alum - 10’ radius

    • 238T Alum - 14’ radius

  • Multi-Span Clips - 35’ radius

  • Maximum length on Multi-Span clips is 30’

  • 138T/238T panels can be curved for either Convex or Candy Cane radius applications

  • Equipment for Curving & Candy Cane style panels is based in Houston, TX but is mobile for jobsite production

See more standing seam curved panels here.

Standing Seam Roofing System Installed on Fire Station
Standing Seam Roofing System on Commercial Building
Standing Seam Roofing System on Industrial Building
Standing Seam System on Civic Center

138T & 238T Wall Applications

The 138T and 238T panels aren’t limited to roofs—they’re also excellent choices for vertical wall applications where strength, clean lines, and watertight performance matter. The same mechanically seamed design that provides outstanding weather protection on roofs delivers a seamless architectural finish on walls and fascias.

Both systems install using concealed clips that allow for thermal movement and continuous factory-applied sealant that runs past each clip for superior weather tightness. When used vertically, the T-seam profile creates crisp shadow lines that add depth and distinction to building exteriors.

Common wall applications include:

  • Architectural walls and fascias on commercial and institutional buildings

  • Accent walls or gables complementing 238T or 138T roof systems

  • Retrofit wall projects where durability and low maintenance are key

(138T and 238T panels offer consistent performance and visual harmony when used together on roof and wall assemblies.)

Mechanically seamed system offers greatly reduced air infiltration
Symmetrical panel allows for easy panel replacement if necessary for building modificationsrepair
138T Wall - U of A Hot Springs Column
Peachtree Solar-501-1

Notes & Manufacturing Locations

  • Manufacturing: Clinton, IL; Peachtree City, GA; Adelanto, CA; Houston, TX

  • 16” & 18” panels can be convex curved: 138T: 10’ radius; 238T 40’ radius

  • Batten caps include factory-applied sealant

  • Pan Condition Choices:

    • 138T (16" & 18")

      • Plank & Pencil Ribs (recommended)

      • Flat Pan

      • Striated

      • Plank

      • Minor Ribs

    • 138T (12")

      • Plank ( recommended)

      • Flat Pan

      • Striated

      • Minor Ribs

    • 238T

      • Plank (recommended)

      • Flat (16" & 18" only)

      • Striated

      • Plank & Pencil Ribs

      • Minor Ribs

  • Additional Material Options: (Note: Minimum quantity and additional lead-time may apply)

    • 22 GA Galvalume® steel

    • .032" and .040" aluminum

    • 16 oz. and 20 oz. copper (available from Houston plant only)

  • Oil canning is a natural occurrence in metal panels and not a cause for rejection.

McElroy Logo Emp Ownd Opt1_BLK-RED

Why Choose McElroy Metal

McElroy Metal is an employee-owned manufacturer with more than six decades of experience producing high-quality metal roofing, wall systems, and substructural components. Our nationwide manufacturing and service center network ensures consistent availability, responsive support, and dependable delivery. Built on a culture of craftsmanship and partnership, our products are engineered for long-term durability and trusted performance on projects of every size.

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R-Seal®

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R-Seal’s continuous insulation system reduces heat transfer through the building's framing. Traditional insulation systems allow more heat to be conducted through the building's framing.

CONTINUOUS INSULATION SYSTEM

R-Seal® Advantages

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Offers 7.5 per inch R-value

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R-Seal is designed to be installed on top of Open frame metal buildings with purlins spaced 5’ O.C.

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Rigid urethane board with shiplap side joints and waterproof facer

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Tape seal flap makes a watertight joint between boards

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Continuous R-Value of 7.5 per inch (no break over purlins)

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42” wide board x up to 53’ long for super fast installation

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With R-30 (4”) YOU CAN WALK ON IT!

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Air-tight and water-tight after installation

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Trades go right to work after installation in the building compressing the construction schedule

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Ideal for new construction or removing and replacing a standing seam

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Paintable

Find a Distributor

Find a Distributor / Contractor Near You

Whether you’re building a new home or planning renovations, a metal roof can deliver long-term cost savings and comfort. To explore your options and find the product that meets your aesthetic and budgetary needs, contact a McElroy Metal distributor or contractor in your area today. We can’t wait to help make your dream home a reality.

Find a Contractor

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions below address common considerations and help guide product selection for your project.

What finish options are available?
Standard finishes include Kynar 500® (PVDF) coatings on 24 GA Galvalume® substrate, providing exceptional color retention and weather protection. For non-painted applications, we offer Galvalume® Plus (acrylic-coated). Learn More
What’s the difference between 138T and 238T?
The difference is rib height and intended use. 138T (1⅜") offers a shorter leg which creates softer lines and shadows. The lower leg height of the 138T also reduces uplift values and cost while requiring a greater roof slope.
Can 138T be installed directly over existing shingle roofs?
Yes. Our 138T Shingle Recover system was specifically developed for recover applications and can be installed over existing shingle roofing while avoiding tear-off in most cases.
What’s the minimum roof slope for these panels?
The 138T requires a 1:12 slope while the 238T can be installed down to a ½:12. In some cases, the 238T can be approved for ¼:12. Inquire for details
Are curved panels available?
Yes. Both systems can be curved under controlled conditions. Contact McElroy Metal for project-specific details.