Is this just cosmetic

[me here]

On our unit there are two channels, one per side which run the length of the roof from front to back. These are fastened by screws and sit at the edge of the roof. The channels are then covered by a plastic snap in covering. Is this covering purely cosmetic? Ours have somehow managed to fall partially out and one has been stretched (at the dealer for some strange reason) over the stove exhaust hood. Can they safely just be removed and left off? Do they serve some purpose other than hiding the heads of the screws?

[clr]

These screw covers on the channel serve several purposes. First is the cosmetic the camper looks better with them in place. Second they help to keep water from making its way around the screws and therefore into the walls of the camper causing rot.

These are vinel strips and are easy to replace. You can get them from most rv dealers or on line. If I remember they only come in a couple of width so you will have to measure the width of the channel. They also come is several colors so just match to the existing.