I think red is thinner and less sticky and was developed/tested/certified for exterior building wrap, while blue was developed/tested/certified for interior PE vapour barrier.
Not sure of the specifics. I was told by the building yard that the blue is the new code, and the inspector backed it up. No one specified interior or exterior so I used it both. As you say, I think it is is stickier and thicker. That was my first thoughts when I started using it.
@Darren I guess you have miles of the red!! I doubt it is a durability thing. But I am guessing.
As for electrical in Ontario, all electrical can be done by the homeowner, (mounting and connecting of meterbase (house side) and in) but he cannot have help. As part of our current reno, I moved a meter base so it is fresh in my mind. I got it all ready for Hydro (meaning mounting of the new base, and inside connections with new supply lines to the old panel, and they came, disconnected the old base supply, ran new wires to my new base, and then reconnected. But, a homeowner can get advice, or help pulling the heavier supply line, as I did, but otherwise, it must be done by himself. Technically, I could not even go pull wires for a friend. As with all inspections, (and inspectors) there may be some leeway here but technically, no help means no help. OR the homeowner can hire a contractor to do the whole job. As I type this, I am thinking that, a homeowner may be able to get a permit for a service install and have that done by a contractor, and then a second permit whereby he states he is the one doing the wiring. Say, if one was not comfortable with the installation of a service. That would add more cost to a job ie, 2 permits, but not the same as having a contractor do a whole house.
