Vince wrote:
Is there any real difference in design performance?

I wonder about the vapor barrier effectiveness of paper backed
insulation ? It does seem that foil faced insulation is not readily
available (at HD).

During a recent bathroom gutting and remodelling project, the
contractor removed all foil faced R19 ceiling insulation and the
insulation that was in the exteriaor wall. He replaced with
paper-backed R19 insulation in areas .

The paper works just as well. If there is an air space between the foil
and the next surface then you gain a little thermo efficiency due to the
reflection of the heat but the shinny foil. Not enough to get excited about
in real use.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit