Yep, stay away from the silicone.
When I did my windshield, I used 3M Butyl windshield tape (which is original). Come in a 25" roll of 1/4, 5/16, or 3/8 diameters.
Took that a step further by applying a bead of urethane over the TOP of the butyl that the windshield would sit on, figuring...