---
title: "138 T vs. Traditional Standing Seam: Key Differences"
description: Traditional standing seam metal roofing can last a lifetime but it's nearly impossible to repair or replace metal panels should they become damaged
---

[Exterior Pro Roofing / Construction Resources Blog ](https://www.exteriorproinc.com/blog)

# [138 T vs. Traditional Standing Seam: Key Differences](https://www.exteriorproinc.com/blog/compare-138-t-standing-seam-metal-roofing-vs-traditional-standing-seam-metal)

 Written by [Perry](https://www.exteriorproinc.com/blog/author/perry) | Sat, May 23, 2020 @ 11:00 AM

**#1** Traditional standing seam metal roofing can last a lifetime but it's nearly impossible to repair or replace metal panels should they become damaged or if the building is added on to.

***Fixed** - The 138 T standing seam can easily be repaired because it has two neutral sides joined by a seam cap. Simply remove the seam cap and then you have to ability to remove and replace individual metal panel as needed*

 

**#2** Traditional standing seam metal roof is great in short lengths but can fail on the seams in longer  length section of roofing

******

***Fixed** - The 138 T is roll formed on site and only comes full length from the eve to the ridge cap making it a seamless piece of metal roofing with nowhere to leak.*

 

**#3** Traditional standing seam metal  has been a more difficult type of roofing to install correctly. Which has made qualified sheet metal craftsman hard to find

******

***Fixed** - The 138 T has a more standardized and easy to teach installation process and is a very forgiving and flexible metal roofing to install. The neutral design of the T shaped profile allows installers to start anywhere on the roof they need to and work out from there.*

 

**#4** Traditional standing seam metal and metal roofing in general has alway struggled to keep homes and buildings dry around chimneys, curbs, HVAC units and skylights. The lack of a standardized flashing process has left many structures with leaks.

***Fixed** - The 138 T revolutionized metal roof flashings around roof top obstacles by using travers panels. The Travers panel detail diverts water away from the curb or chimney and is without a doubt the best metal roof flashing method invented to date*

[View full post](https://www.exteriorproinc.com/blog/compare-138-t-standing-seam-metal-roofing-vs-traditional-standing-seam-metal)

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