UltraCrete Instant Road Repair® Red 6mm is one of the most trusted red cold-lay asphalt repair materials available in the UK — and it’s a product that highways and civils contractors consistently come back to for permanent, colour-coded reinstatements that work first time. HAPAS approved since 2002, it delivers a permanently red, instantly trafficable repair for cycle tracks, bus lanes, traffic cushions, ramps, bus stops and other colour-coded surfaces.

Depth range 15–60mm. PSV 65. Permanently red — does not fade. Instantly trafficable once compacted. HAPAS approved since 2002. Application temperature: 5°C rising to maximum 25°C. Satisfactory for use as a PCSM in accordance with Appendix A2.4 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1999: SROH Third Edition, April 2010.

We’re a small, family-run business — I’m Cleo, the owner, with over 25 years in the construction industry working with businesses including Tarmac and Instarmac. I work alongside a team of incredibly knowledgeable and caring individuals, and we’ve supplied UltraCrete products to local authorities, civil contractors and highways teams across the UK. If you need technical support or help with specification, we’re always happy to help.

Need black IRR for standard reinstatements? See IRR 6mm bag or IRR 6mm tub. Need maximum skid resistance for turning circles or lorry parks? See UltraCrete Tough Patch.

What is UltraCrete Instant Road Repair Red 6mm?

Instant Road Repair Red 6mm is a HAPAS Approved permanent cold-lay surfacing asphalt concrete in a permanently red colour, designed for first-time permanent reinstatements in colour-coded highway surfaces including footways, footpaths and cycle tracks. It uses the same proven UltraCrete formula as the standard black IRR 6mm — fully graded, high PSV (65) interlocking aggregate and specially formulated bitumen containing polymers and flexibilisers — but with a permanent red pigment that does not fade.

It also forms part of the UltraCrete HAPAS Approved Ironwork Reinstatement System. Once correctly compacted, the surface is immediately trafficable — open to pedestrians and cyclists without any curing wait.

What is Red Tarmac Used For?

Red cold-lay asphalt is used wherever colour-coding is required to communicate surface type, priority or restriction to road users. IRR Red 6mm is specified for:

• Cycle tracks and cycle lanes — the most common application; red surface demarcates dedicated cycling infrastructure
• Bus lanes — colour-coded to indicate priority or restriction for general traffic
• Traffic cushions and speed ramps — red colouring identifies the feature and aids compliance
• Bus stops and boarding areas — to delineate the stopping zone
• Mini roundabouts and junction treatments — colour-coded conflict areas
• Colour-coded car parking — designated bays and traffic management areas
• Hard shoulders — demarcation on motorways and dual carriageways
• Driveways — homeowners and developers specifying red asphalt for aesthetic or demarcation purposes

The red colour is permanent — it does not fade with UV exposure or traffic wear.

IRR Red vs Standard Black IRR 6mm — What’s the Difference?

The material specification is the same — both use 6mm aggregate, PSV 65, and the same HAPAS-approved bitumen formula. There are two important practical differences: IRR Red has a maximum depth of 60mm (vs 100mm for the standard black grade), and a specified application temperature window of 5°C rising to a maximum of 25°C. Both should be factored into specification and site planning.

If the repair exceeds 60mm depth, the standard black IRR 6mm is the correct specification. If you need IRR Red in bags for larger volume work, contact our team or call 0330 122 1025.

Need Even More Skid Resistance?

For high-stress applications such as turning circles, lorry parks, bus lanes subject to heavy braking, or areas where maximum skid resistance is critical, UltraCrete Tough Patch is the recommended product. Call us on 0330 122 1025 if you’re unsure which product is right for your specification.

Complete Reinstatement System

For a permanent, compliant colour-coded reinstatement:

• UltraCrete SCJ Seal and Tack Spray — applied to vertical edges and substrate before and between layers to create a waterproof bond
• UltraCrete Instant Road Repair Red 6mm — the reinstatement material
• UltraCrete Instaband ECO — overbanding sealant if required after compaction

All compaction should be carried out in accordance with Appendix 8 of the SROH 2010.

Key Features

• Permanently red — does not fade with UV exposure or traffic wear
• HAPAS approved since 2002 — long-standing approval as a permanent cold-lay surfacing material
• Instantly trafficable — open to pedestrians and cyclists immediately once compacted
• PSV 65 — high polished stone value aggregate for skid resistance
• Depth range 15–60mm — note maximum depth is 60mm (less than standard black IRR 6mm)
• Suitable for light rain — IRR Red is compaction-cured; for heavy or persistent rain, Tough Patch is the better choice as it is water-cured
• Temperature range — apply at 5°C rising to maximum 25°C; do not apply above 25°C
• SROH compliant — satisfactory for use as a PCSM under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1999
• Easy-work formula — same proven bitumen formulation as standard IRR 6mm
• ISO 9001 manufactured — produced in a plant certified to BS EN ISO 9001

For technical support, bulk pricing, or help with specification, contact our team or call 0330 122 1025 — we’re a small, family-run business and always happy to help.

UltraCrete Instant Road Repair Red 6mm FAQs

I’m Cleo, owner of The Paving Experts, with over 25 years in the construction industry working with businesses including Tarmac and Instarmac. I work alongside a small team of incredibly knowledgeable and caring individuals who share the same passion for getting it right. The FAQ answers below come from the questions we’re asked every single day.

What is red tarmac used for?

Red cold-lay asphalt is used wherever colour-coding is required — cycle tracks, bus lanes, traffic cushions, ramps, bus stops, mini roundabouts, colour-coded car parking, and driveways. The red colour is a permanent part of the material, not a surface treatment.

Does red tarmac fade?

No. The red colour in UltraCrete IRR Red is permanently pigmented — it does not fade with UV exposure or traffic wear.

Is IRR Red the same material as standard black IRR 6mm?

The core specification is the same — 6mm aggregate, PSV 65, HAPAS-approved bitumen formula. The key differences are the permanent red pigment, a maximum depth of 60mm (vs 100mm for black IRR 6mm), and a narrower application temperature range (5°C rising to max 25°C).

What is the maximum depth for IRR Red?

60mm. This is an important distinction from standard black IRR 6mm, which can be used to 100mm. If your repair exceeds 60mm, use standard black IRR 6mm instead.

What is the application temperature for IRR Red?

5°C rising to a maximum of 25°C. Do not apply in temperatures above 25°C — this is an important constraint to factor into site planning, particularly in summer.

Is Instant Road Repair Red a permanent repair?

Yes. When applied correctly — including use of UltraCrete SCJ to seal edges and substrate — IRR Red provides a first-time permanent reinstatement. HAPAS approved since 2002.

How quickly can the area be opened to traffic?

Instantly — once compacted, the surface is immediately trafficable. No curing wait required.

Can I use IRR Red in the rain?

IRR Red is compaction-cured and can be used in light rain, within the specified temperature range (5°C rising to max 25°C). If heavy or persistent rain is forecast, UltraCrete Tough Patch is the better product — it is water-cured and specifically designed for wet conditions.

Can I reseal the tub and use it later?

No — once opened, all material should be used. IRR begins to cure on contact with air, so plan to use the full contents when you open a tub.

Is IRR Red available in bags as well as tubs?

It is primarily supplied in 25kg tubs. If you need bags for larger volume work, contact our team or call 0330 122 1025.

Why is my IRR Red firm in the tub?

Apply light pressure to the inner bag to restore the material to its normal consistency. In cold conditions, store somewhere warm overnight before use.

Do I need to use SCJ with IRR Red?

Yes — UltraCrete recommend SCJ Seal and Tack Spray on all vertical edges and substrate before applying, and between layers. It creates a waterproof bond and improves repair longevity.

What is the shelf life?

6 months from date of manufacture in sealed conditions. Once opened, use all material.

What other IRR grades and colours are available?

The full UltraCrete cold-lay range includes IRR 6mm bag, IRR 6mm tub, IRR 10mm bag, IRR 10mm tub, Permanent Pothole Repair 3mm, PPR Wet, and Tough Patch for high skid-resistance applications.

Read more: How to lay and repair red tarmac | Pothole repair FAQs

For technical support, specification help, or further information, contact our team or call 0330 122 1025.

UltraCrete Instant Road Repair Red 6mm — Technical Information

Instant Road Repair Red 6mm is a HAPAS Approved permanent cold-lay surfacing asphalt concrete. It includes fully graded, high PSV interlocking aggregate combined with specially formulated bitumen containing polymers and flexibilisers. It forms part of the UltraCrete HAPAS Approved Ironwork Reinstatement System and is satisfactory for use as a PCSM in accordance with Appendix A2.4 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1999: Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH), Third Edition, April 2010.

• Grade: 6mm

• Colour: Permanently red — does not fade

• Application: First-time permanent repairs to cushions and ramps, bus lanes, cycle tracks, bus stops and colour-coded car parking

• Depth range: 15–60mm

• Packaging: 25kg resealable tub

• Set time: Instantly trafficable once compacted — no curing wait

• Ready to use: No mixing or heating required

• Application temperature: 5°C rising to maximum 25°C

• Weather conditions: Suitable for planned and reactive repairs in all weathers (within temperature range)

• PSV: 65

• Accreditation: BBA/HAPAS Approved since 2002

• Storage: Cool, well-ventilated place

• Shelf life: 6 months from date of manufacture in sealed units

• Packaging type: Resealable tub — zero waste

• Quality assurance: Manufactured in a plant certified to BS EN ISO 9001

• PPE: Appropriate PPE required during preparation and application. Wash hands before consuming food. Keep out of reach of children and animals. Dispose of packaging responsibly.

• Download the UltraCrete IRR Red 6mm technical datasheet (PDF)