1. Introduction
Ironclad Forge & Welding ("we," "us," "our," or "the Company") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy describes the types of information we collect through our website at ironcladforge.digital (the "Site"), how we use it, and the choices you have.
By using our Site, submitting a form, calling us, or engaging us for services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of this Policy, please discontinue use of the Site and contact us directly for any questions about your data.
This Policy applies only to information collected through the Site and in the course of providing services. It does not apply to information collected by third parties with their own privacy practices.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, information collected automatically when you use the Site, and information from third-party sources.
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
When you contact us, request an estimate, book an appointment, or engage us for services, we may collect:
- Contact information: name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and property address for service calls
- Project information: descriptions of your project, photos you submit, measurements, sketches, and any drawings or specifications you share
- Payment information: billing address and payment method details collected through our accounting systems (we do not store full credit card numbers on our servers)
- Communication records: copies of emails, text messages, phone call notes, and form submissions related to your inquiry or project
- Any other information you choose to provide when interacting with our team
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our Site, we and our service providers may automatically collect certain technical information, including:
- Device and browser information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device type, screen resolution
- Usage information: pages you visit, time spent on each page, links you click, referring website or search engine
- Approximate location: derived from your IP address to the city or region level (we do not collect precise geolocation without your consent)
- Cookie data: as described in Section 5 below
2.3 Information From Third Parties
We may receive limited information about you from third parties, such as referral partners (general contractors, architects, or designers who refer you to us), payment processors, and analytics providers. We treat such information in accordance with this Policy.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To respond to inquiries: answering questions, providing estimates, scheduling consultations
- To provide services: designing, fabricating, delivering, and installing metalwork you have requested
- To manage projects: communicating about scheduling, changes, invoices, and completion
- To process payments: invoicing, processing transactions, and maintaining accurate accounting records
- To improve our Site: understanding how visitors use the Site so we can improve content, layout, and usability
- To market our services: sending occasional updates, project features, or offers (only to those who have opted in; you may opt out at any time)
- To comply with legal obligations: keeping records required by tax, contract, insurance, and licensing laws
- To protect our rights: enforcing our agreements, resolving disputes, and preventing fraud or misuse
We do not use automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal or similarly significant effects without your consent.
4. How We Share Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share information only in the following limited circumstances:
4.1 Service Providers
We share information with trusted third-party service providers who perform functions on our behalf, including:
- Web hosting and email service providers
- Payment processors and accounting software
- Analytics providers that help us understand Site usage
- Shipping and logistics partners for material delivery
- Scheduling and CRM software used to manage appointments and communications
These providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only to perform services for us.
4.2 Business Partners
When your project involves coordination with a general contractor, architect, engineer, or designer that you have engaged, we may share project-relevant information (such as drawings, dimensions, and schedules) with those parties as needed to complete the work.
4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law, subpoena, court order, or other legal process, or when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request.
4.4 Business Transfers
If Ironclad Forge & Welding is involved in a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or bankruptcy proceeding, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you via email or prominent notice on our Site of any such change and the choices you have.
5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our Site uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and to understand how the Site is used. You can control cookies through your browser settings and, where applicable, through our cookie consent banner.
5.1 Types of Cookies We Use
- Strictly necessary cookies: required for the Site to function (for example, remembering your cookie preferences)
- Analytics cookies: help us understand which pages are most visited and how visitors navigate the Site
- Preference cookies: remember your choices, such as language or region
- Marketing cookies: used to deliver relevant advertising to visitors who have opted in; we do not use these unless you have consented
5.2 Managing Cookies
Most web browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when a cookie is being set. You can usually find these settings in the "Options," "Preferences," or "Settings" menu of your browser. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the Site.
For more information, see our Cookie Policy.
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Our retention periods are as follows:
- Inquiries and estimates that do not result in work: up to 24 months, after which we delete or anonymize them
- Project records for completed work: 7 years, for warranty, tax, insurance, and legal purposes
- Financial records: 7 years, as required by U.S. tax law and Maine state regulations
- Website analytics data: typically 14–26 months, depending on the provider
- Marketing lists: until you unsubscribe or request removal
When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with industry best practices.
7. How We Protect Your Information
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:
- Encrypted transmission of data via HTTPS on our Site
- Access controls limiting who within our team can view your information
- Secure, password-protected systems for storing project and payment records
- Regular backups and security updates to our systems
- Confidentiality agreements with our service providers
However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security. In the event of a data breach affecting your personal information, we will notify you and applicable authorities as required by law.
8. Your Rights & Choices
Depending on where you live, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. We honor these rights for all of our clients and Site visitors, regardless of jurisdiction, to the extent practicable.
8.1 Right to Access
You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. We will provide this within 30 days of a verified request.
8.2 Right to Correct
If any information we hold about you is inaccurate, you may ask us to update or correct it.
8.3 Right to Delete
You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal recordkeeping obligations. We will comply unless we are required to retain the information for tax, contract, warranty, or legal reasons.
8.4 Right to Opt Out of Marketing
You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or by contacting us directly. Transactional emails (such as invoices, appointment confirmations, and project updates) will still be sent as needed to service your account.
8.5 Right to Object or Restrict
You may object to or request restriction of certain processing activities. We will evaluate such requests on a case-by-case basis and respond within 30 days.
8.6 How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected] or (207) 450-1094. We may need to verify your identity before processing the request.
9. California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)
If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).
9.1 Categories of Information We Collect
In the past 12 months, we have collected the following categories of personal information: identifiers (name, email, phone, IP address), commercial information (services purchased), internet activity (Site usage), and professional information (for commercial clients).
9.2 No Sale of Personal Information
We do not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. We have not sold personal information in the past 12 months and have no plans to do so.
9.3 Your California Rights
- The right to know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose
- The right to delete personal information we have collected from you
- The right to correct inaccurate personal information
- The right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information
- The right to limit use of sensitive personal information
- The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights
To exercise these rights, contact us using the information in Section 13. We will respond to verified requests within 45 days as required by law.
10. Children's Privacy
Our Site and services are not directed at individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.
If you are a parent or guardian and learn that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at [email protected] so we can take appropriate steps.
11. Third-Party Links & Services
Our Site may contain links to third-party websites, map providers, or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third parties, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any website you visit.
Examples of third-party services that may be used in connection with our Site include map embedding services, payment processors, and analytics providers. Each operates under its own privacy policy and terms of service.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make material changes, we will:
- Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
- Post the revised Policy on this page
- Notify active clients by email if the changes materially affect how we handle their information
Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us:
We aim to respond to all privacy-related inquiries within 5 business days and to resolve verified requests within the timeframes required by applicable law.