Privacy Policy — Metal Buildings Guide
1. Introduction
Welcome to Metal Buildings Guide (“Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”).
We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling all information responsibly.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you use our website, https://www.metalbuildingsguide.com (the “Site”), and our connected tools and systems — including CodeSmart™, LoadMatch™, and related AI-driven applications (collectively, the “Services”).
By accessing or using the Site or Services, you consent to the practices described in this Policy.
We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable privacy laws.
2. Information We Collect
a. Information You Provide
We collect information you voluntarily submit through forms, quote requests, or AI interactions, including:
Name, company name, email address, and phone number
ZIP code, city, county, and project location
Building specifications such as dimensions, structure type, and intended use
Messages, notes, or uploaded project data
b. Automatically Collected Data
When you use our Site or Services, certain technical data is automatically gathered, including:
IP address, browser type, device model, and operating system
Referring URLs, search terms, and pages visited
Date, time, and duration of sessions
Approximate location derived from your ZIP code or device geolocation (if enabled)
Interaction logs from AI tools such as CodeSmart™ and LoadMatch™
This information may be collected through cookies, local storage, or similar technologies to improve system accuracy and user experience.
3. AI Systems and Analytical Tools
Metal Buildings Guide integrates several AI and computational systems to generate code-based insights and structural guidance. These include:
CodeSmart™ — an AI-assisted hazard and code reference system that uses your ZIP and project details to analyze design wind, snow, seismic, frost, and other environmental loads.
LoadMatch™ — an AI engine that compares building parameters and site data to suggest suitable suppliers, building systems, and risk categories.
Chat AI Assistant — powered in part by OpenAI and proprietary Metal Buildings LLC models, used to provide conversational guidance, building data interpretation, and technical insights.
User input processed by these systems (such as ZIP code or site coordinates) is used solely for the generation of design data, not for advertising or profiling.
4. Reference Data and External Sources
Our Services integrate trusted public data and engineering standards from reputable organizations, including:
ASCE 7-16 / ASCE 7-22 — Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
USGS — United States Geological Survey seismic and elevation data
NOAA / NWS — National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for wind and snow references
FEMA — Federal Emergency Management Agency flood and hazard mapping
EPQS (USGS Elevation Point Query Service) — for elevation data
Zippopotam / FCC FIPS / GNIS — for city, state, and county mapping
These references are used to improve code accuracy and geographic reliability; we do not control or store their proprietary datasets.
5. How We Use Information
We use collected data to:
Provide accurate building-code references and analysis results
Respond to inquiries and deliver building quotes or load summaries
Improve the performance, accuracy, and AI intelligence of our tools
Ensure security and prevent unauthorized access or misuse
Comply with legal or regulatory obligations
We do not sell, rent, or otherwise commercialize personal or project information.
6. Cookies and Tracking
Cookies and similar technologies help us remember preferences, measure analytics, and enhance user experience.
You may disable cookies in your browser, though doing so may limit Site functionality.
7. Third-Party Integrations
We may engage trusted third parties for functionality, analytics, or AI processing, including:
Google Analytics and Google Ads — for traffic insights and marketing metrics
Meta (Facebook/Instagram) — for audience engagement
OpenAI — for AI model processing used in chat and prediction features
All third parties are required to comply with strict privacy standards. We do not authorize them to sell or misuse your data.
8. Information Sharing
Your information may be shared only:
With Service Providers: Under confidentiality agreements to support hosting, analytics, or AI processing.
For Legal Compliance: If required by applicable law, subpoena, or governmental request.
We do not sell, lease, or trade personal data under any circumstance.
9. Data Retention
We retain data only for as long as needed to fulfill operational and analytical purposes or to meet legal obligations. AI and analytic logs are anonymized and periodically purged.
10. Security
We implement technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect all collected data.
While no system is entirely invulnerable, we continuously monitor and improve security measures to reduce risk.
11. Links to External Sites
Our Site may include links to third-party resources or partner websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before submitting information.
12. Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. The latest version will always appear on this page with a new “Effective Date.” Continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of any changes.
13. Contact Us
For privacy inquiries, requests, or questions about this Policy, please contact:
Metal Buildings Guide
A Division of Metal Buildings LLC
1846 N. Loop 1604 W, Suite 205 #1018
San Antonio, Texas 78248
Phone: 210-997-1853
Email: [email protected]