It sounds like the front is delaminated. I've read on here about people finding ways to inject an adhesive, maybe epoxy under the skin and then put some kind of clamping force on it until the adhesive dries. I'm not sure how well it works, but a few searches on here might give you some ideas. Here's one posting.
LinkThe tape you are thinking about is Eternabond tape. When applied correctly (clean surface and press very firmly) it is not coming back off without significant force.
Yes silicone is bad as nothing really sticks to silicone, not even new silicone. But that's the 100 percent silicone, if you used standard siliconized exterior caulking you're probably okay. I would buy the 4 inch wide Eternabond and just apply it right over the repaired joint call it a day. Use 6 inch wide tape if the caulking gets too close to the edge for 4 inch tape.