Rubber strip on roof

[TIMCRIPPS]

The dreaded monkeys at Longleat pulled the rear of one of the rubber strips off on my mk3 Jazz. I've reattached it but it's not a perfect fit. Can anyone tell me whether it is essential to be a tight fit. Is it needed to prevent water rusting the metal underneath the strip or can it develop into a leak?

[jasonevans]

It would help if it's sealed tightly as it would stop ingress of water.
Best thing to do is fill a watering can and spray over and see if any water stays in channhel and decide from there if you need to reinstall the rubber stip with gorilla glue or something.

[Steve_M]

It is purely decorative and has no sealing properties. The body seam that it covers has a sealing coating.

[ColinB]

When my car was only around a year old, it was rear-ended. After the repair, I noticed that the last inch or so one of the rubber strips was lifting. After trying a few times to reseat it, I gave up. So it's been like that for around 8 years, and I've had no sign of any leaks.

[TIMCRIPPS]

Thank you everyone who replied, I am very grateful and it has put my mind at ease.

[Lord Voltermore]

Its ironic that it appears to be the monkeys who are the experts on how rubber is affixed to various makes of car.  Perhaps thats the origin of the term 'grease monkeys'.    Large apes would have removed the whole front of the car.  - they are called Grillers.