Abstract: A sealing strip and joint for a papermaking machine suction roll is disclosed which includes in combination a stationary suction box and a perforated cylindrical shell which rotates around the stationary suction box disposed centrally within the cylindrical shell. The suction box includes slots constructed near at least two outside edges of the suction box extending across the width of the suction box. A composite seal strip extends throughout the width of each slot which includes a plurality of elongated seal strips jointed together end-to-end in the slots. A plurality of joints are spaced along the length of the composite sealing strip defined by ends of adjacent seal strips joined together. The joints include a first end section of a first strip and a second end section of a second strip mated together in an abutting relation. The first end section and second end section have interfitted radius surfaces which mate against each other against the rotation of said cylindrical shell.