Marygrove vs. Sunair
Direct Service Beats the Dealer Network
The perfect getaway doesn’t have to be so hard to get to. With life moving so fast, a Marygrove can give you the serenity you’ve been looking for - just a few steps away!
Schedule Today in 5 Minutes
Over 1,600 5 Star Reviews
A Full Service Experience At A Fraction of the Cost
Sunair has deep roots in the awning industry. They’ve been building retractable awnings since 1978, bringing European design philosophy to the American market. Their products feature quality components like Somfy motors, Sattler fabrics, and forged aluminum construction. There’s no question they build a well-engineered product.
But Sunair works through a dealer model, which means the company you buy from likely isn’t the one installing or servicing your awning. That disconnect often leads to miscommunication, inconsistent installation quality, and a frustrating warranty experience. Your satisfaction depends on the competence of a local dealer, not the manufacturer.
Marygrove eliminates the middleman entirely. From manufacturing to installation to service it’s all one company, one team, one standard.
We got our new awning installed in August, beautiful job and plenty of time to enjoy it before the season is over. The installers were great, very nice and did a great job! We can’t say enough good things about MaryGrove.
Compare Feature* | 
|  |
|---|---|---|
Full Cassette Protection | ||
LED Lights Integrated | ||
Adjustable Pitch | ||
Smart Awning (App + Voice) | ||
10 Year Fabric Warranty | ||
Installation Included | ||
Serviced Directly From Manufacturer | ||
10 Year Motor Warranty | ||
In-House Installation Team |
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
Feature Comparison
Warranty and Durability
Marygrove Awnings stands out with an industry-leading warranty ensuring your investment is protected over the long term. Marygrove offers:
10 Years of Coverage on Fabric
10 Year Warranty on Motors
1 Year Warranty on Accessories
In contrast, competitors often provide a more general “all-weather” warranty, which may lack specific guarantees on essential components, leaving you with uncertainties regarding long-term reliability and satisfaction.
Sunair is not BBB accredited. Their warranty explicitly excludes labor — homeowners report paying $300 or more for a technician to swap a component that is technically covered. Wind sensor damage is also excluded because “wind sensors are not a guarantee” (Sunair Warranty Terms, 2025).
Feature Comparison
Installation and Service
Our direct, professional installation by Marygrove’s award-winning service team guarantees a high-quality, efficient setup, recognized nationally for the fastest installation times. This approach contrasts sharply with many competitors, who may rely on third-party dealers or less experienced teams, potentially leading to variable service quality and longer wait times.
Choosing Marygrove ensures a seamless and expedient installation process from start to finish.
Sunair relies entirely on independent dealers for installation. Industry professionals on RetractableAwningReview note that reported problems often stem from “incompetent installation.” When installation goes wrong, Sunair says “talk to the dealer” — even when the dealer is unresponsive or has closed.
Feature Comparison
Technology and Innovation
Marygrove Awnings leads the market in technological advancements, offering features such as a full cassette for ultimate protection, a proprietary retractable pitch for optimal shade and rain shielding, and a reinforced lateral arm system using durable cables over the more common chains found in competitor products.
Our smart awnings are designed to intuitively adapt to your lifestyle. Equipped with an Advanced Weather Alert System, they respond to real-time weather changes, automatically adjusting to protect against sudden shifts. This means whether the sun’s out or the wind picks up, you can relax knowing your awning is looking out for you.
Paired with integrated wind sensors and ambient LED lighting, Marygrove Awnings enhance every aspect of outdoor living, making each moment under our awnings safe, bright, and utterly enjoyable.
Sunair does not sell or service direct to consumers. Motor replacements can take 4 to 6 weeks from the manufacturer. One customer described six months of delays, excuses, and unresolved issues with no corporate accountability. Replacement fabric costs $700 plus shipping.
What You Should Know Before Buying a Sunair Awning
We believe in letting the facts speak for themselves. Before making a decision, here is what third-party review sites, Reddit discussions, and real customers have to say about the Sunair buying experience.
Not BBB Accredited
Sunair Awnings and Solar Screens is not BBB accredited. The company is based in Jessup, Maryland and sells exclusively through a dealer network.
Adding to the confusion, some Sunair dealers operate under different names. One BBB complaint from May 2025 describes a customer whose motor died and who could not reach anyone — the vendor appeared to have closed entirely, leaving the customer with no path to service.
Marygrove is a single company with consistent service from coast to coast. You deal directly with us from the first phone call through the life of your awning.
When Something Goes Wrong, Sunair Says “Talk to the Dealer”
Sunair does not sell, install, or service awnings directly. Everything goes through independent local dealers — and when things go wrong, Sunair corporate directs you back to the same dealer who caused the problem. One customer on RetractableAwningsReviews described “never, ever being so unhappy with a contractor or a company,” citing six months of delays, excuses, and unresolved issues while Sunair simply said “talk to the dealer.”
Another customer reported that Sunair failed to respond to their first three emails asking for help with a failed motor. It was only when they called asking for their money back that Sunair took notice (Retractable Awning Review, 2024). Industry professionals on the same site note that “more times than not, it is the initial installation that has caused the issues” — yet Sunair takes no responsibility for who installs their products.
Marygrove handles every step in-house. Our own sales team, our own installation crew, and our own service department. There is no middleman to go through and no finger-pointing when you need help.
A Warranty That Covers the Part but Not the $300 Service Call
Sunair’s warranty explicitly excludes labor costs and “in the field” service. That means when a warrantied component fails, you still have to pay $300 or more for a technician to come out and swap it (Sunair Warranty Terms, 2025). The warranty covers the aluminum — but not the human fixing it.
The wind sensor adds another layer of frustration. One customer reported their unit was damaged by wind even though the sensor was active. Sunair’s response: “Wind sensors are not a guarantee” — and they refused to cover the repair (Sunair Warranty Exclusions, 2025). For homeowners who were sold on the sensor as a safety feature, this exclusion feels like a bait and switch.
Marygrove offers up to 10 years of motor coverage. Our Mint Program extends that even further and adds priority service. When something is covered, it is covered — parts and service, no surprise labor bills.
$6,000 to $10,000 per Awning — with Surprise Costs After
Sunair awnings sit in the $6,000 to $10,000 range per unit. One Reddit user in r/homeowners spoke with “an honest installer who won’t even touch anything below their premier model” (Reddit, 2024). Another on r/Awnings asked bluntly: “Why is the quote so high? Is that the standard for mid-to-high level brands now?” (Reddit, Feb 2025).
The surprise costs do not stop at the initial quote. Replacement fabric runs $700 plus shipping. One customer paid for LED lights as part of a 27-foot unit and still had not received them months later, filing a BBB complaint in July 2025. At premium prices, buyers expect premium follow-through — but with a dealer-dependent model, the experience is inconsistent.
Marygrove provides a complete package at a transparent price — manufacturing, installation, and service all handled by the same company. No surprise labor bills and no third-party markups.
Technical Support That Disappears After the Sale
A recurring complaint about Sunair’s dealer model is that dealers are responsive during the sale but vanish once the check clears. Customers on Retractable Awning Review report that dealers do not answer calls for tune-ups, pitch adjustments, or follow-up service (2024).
When hardware issues arise, the wait can be significant. One customer reported a motor failure after just one month of use and was told it would take 4 to 6 weeks for a replacement motor to arrive from the manufacturer (Retractable Awning Review, 2024). That is nearly two months without a functioning awning on a product that costs thousands of dollars.
Marygrove has a dedicated US-based support team you can reach at 800-442-9646. A real person picks up the phone, and our team follows up after every installation. We stock our own parts for fast turnaround on any repair.
Bird Nests, Fabric Roll Reversal, and Clicking Frames
Sunair owners on Retractable Awning Review report a specific problem: birds love to nest behind the unit, creating a mess that is difficult to clean without disassembly (2024). While the hardware is well-regarded, the housing design does not fully prevent wildlife from taking up residence.
Other reported product issues include fabric that starts rolling backwards — a “roll reversal” that causes the material to under-lap instead of extending properly (Retractable Awning Review, 2024). One customer described a storm where the unit “bent halfway to the ground” and sprang back, but now makes a clicking noise that suggests the frame may be compromised. Confusing bracket instructions (the AU16C model) have led some homeowners to ask whether they need to cut out their soffit just to install the unit (2025).
Marygrove uses a seamless aluminum housing engineered to protect the fabric and keep debris and pests out. Our reinforced cable-driven lateral arms are built for long-term durability, and every awning is backed by our lifetime frame warranty.
Durability Questions in Salt Air, Freezes, and High Wind
Buyers in coastal areas raised concerns about salt air corrosion. One homeowner two miles from the coast reported that their last “stainless” unit rusted in two years and asked whether Sunair would hold up any better (Local Forum, 2025). In Houston, a Sunair owner described freezes that “did in” the fabric — after roasting all summer, it was beaten up by frozen rain (Reddit, r/Awnings, 2025).
Wind performance is another concern. While Sunair’s hardware has been praised for surviving heavy storms, the wind sensor system has drawn criticism. One customer reported the sensor retracting the awning too aggressively, even in moderate conditions. Another saw their unit bend in a storm and is now dealing with a compromised frame and clicking noise during operation (Retractable Awning Review, 2024).
Every Marygrove awning includes our Advanced Weather Alert System with calibrated wind sensitivity. Combined with premium solution-dyed acrylic fabric that resists fading, mildew, and moisture damage, and a lifetime frame warranty, Marygrove is built for real-world conditions year-round.
What Real Customers Say
Do not just take our word for it. Here is what verified customers have to say about their experience with each company.
Marygrove Awnings Reviews
“From an inquiry response callback at 8pm to an install just two days later, I could not be happier with the Marygrove service or product.”
Brandon Williams, Verified Customer
“This is my second Marygrove awning. The first one lasted over 10 years. When it was time for a new one, there was no question who I was calling.”
Nancy Koulder, Verified Customer
“The installation was quick and easy. The crew was very knowledgeable of the product and kept us informed every step of the way.”
Mike and Debra L., BBB Review
“The installation team worked through extreme heat and still finished ahead of schedule. They were professional from start to finish.”
Diana von Glahn, Verified Customer
“Marygrove provides the awnings and installs them through the same company, giving it complete control over product quality.”
Sunair Customer Reviews
“I have never, ever been so unhappy with a contractor or a company. Six months of delays, excuses, and unresolved issues.”
Customer Review, RetractableAwningsReviews
“More times than not, it is the initial installation that has caused the issues.”
Industry Professional, RetractableAwningReview
“Buy from a dealer who focuses on awnings as a livelihood, and not a company who does awnings too.”
Sunair Dealer Advice, RetractableAwningReview
“The negatives in reviews must be dealer related since the product from my experience is top notch.”
General Contractor, RetractableAwningReview
“Caliber and Quality: 2.5 out of 5. Assistance and Service: 2 out of 5. Affordability: 1.5 out of 5.”
Average Ratings, RetractableAwningsReviews
“Sunair failed to respond to my first three emails asking for help with a failed motor. It was only when I called asking for my money back that they took notice.”
Customer Review, Retractable Awning Review, 2024
“I paid for LED lights as part of my 27-foot unit and I still have not been able to get them from the company.”
BBB Complaint, BBB, July 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Was your question not answered? You can reach our team directly at 800-442-9646
Sunair offers a 15-year frame warranty on their premium models — strong coverage. But their motor and electronics warranty is only 5 years, and fabric ranges from 5-10 years depending on type. Marygrove offers 10-year motor and 10-year fabric coverage. More importantly, Marygrove administers warranty claims directly — no dealer middleman.
No. Sunair sells through independent dealers who handle installation separately. Quality and pricing vary by dealer. Marygrove includes professional installation by their own certified technicians with every purchase.
Sunair uses quality European-inspired engineering with Somfy motors and forged aluminum. But design quality and ownership experience are two different things. Marygrove also uses premium components — the difference is that Marygrove controls the entire process from build to install to service.
No. Sunair Awnings and Solar Screens is not BBB accredited. Some Sunair dealers operate under different names, and one BBB complaint describes a vendor that appears to have closed, leaving the customer with no way to get service. Marygrove is a single company with consistent service from coast to coast.
Sunair does not install their own awnings. Installation is handled by independent local dealers, and quality varies. Industry professionals note many reported problems stem from “incompetent installation” rather than the product itself. If your dealer goes out of business, getting service becomes your problem. Marygrove includes professional installation by our own certified technicians at no extra charge.
Sunair offers a 15-year limited frame warranty and 6 to 10 years on fabric. However, the warranty explicitly excludes labor — you may pay $300 or more for a technician to swap a “covered” part. Wind sensor damage is also excluded because Sunair says “wind sensors are not a guarantee.” Marygrove offers a lifetime frame warranty, 10 years on fabric, and up to 10 years on motors — with service included.
Sunair awnings typically cost $6,000 to $10,000 per unit. Replacement fabric runs $700 plus shipping. Prices can vary between dealers since Sunair does not sell direct. One Reddit user spoke with an installer who “won’t even touch anything below their premier model” (Reddit, 2024). Marygrove provides transparent, direct-to-consumer pricing with professional installation included.
If your local Sunair dealer closes, you are responsible for finding a replacement. Sunair does not service direct. One BBB complaint describes a customer whose vendor appeared to have closed entirely, leaving them with a failed motor and no path to service (BBB, May 2025). Marygrove is a single company — we are always here because there is no middleman to lose.
No. Sunair explicitly states that wind sensors are “not a guarantee” of protection. One customer reported wind damage despite an active sensor, and Sunair refused to cover the repair (2025). Every Marygrove awning includes our Advanced Weather Alert System with calibrated sensitivity and up to 10 years of motor coverage.
Sunair’s motorized models use Somfy motors and can accept optional wind sensors and remotes. But there’s no Sunair-branded smart platform, no app control, and no voice assistant integration. Marygrove offers factory-integrated smart control with app, Alexa, Google, and weather automation.
Both are veteran companies — Marygrove has 90+ years of history. The difference isn’t heritage; it’s how they serve you today. Sunair relies on dealers. Marygrove deals directly with homeowners. That direct relationship means faster response times, consistent quality, and a single point of accountability.
We are comparing our standard model awnings versus Sunair’s flagship retractable awning line. Both represent what each brand offers to the average homeowner looking for a quality retractable awning solution.
Retractable awnings can weigh over 100 pounds and must be anchored into load-bearing structure. Improper mounting can cause wall damage, bracket failure in storms, and water pooling from incorrect pitch. Many manufacturers also void warranty coverage if the awning was not professionally installed. Marygrove handles installation with our own trained crew so your warranty stays intact and the awning performs the way it should.
Look for warranties that cover each component separately: frame, motor, and fabric. Watch out for pro-rated coverage that reduces your protection over time. Also check whether the warranty covers labor for service calls or just replacement parts. Marygrove offers a lifetime frame warranty, 10 years on fabric with full coverage, and up to 10 years on motors.
Yes, especially for larger awnings. Industry research shows homeowners use a motorized awning up to 10 times more often than a manual crank model. Motorized systems also allow you to add smart features like wind sensors and remote control operation. Every Marygrove awning is motorized and includes our Advanced Weather Alert System that automatically retracts the awning in high winds.
Cable-driven arms use reinforced steel cables inside the arm mechanism. Chain-driven arms use linked metal chains. Over time, chains can stretch, develop slack, and cause uneven extension. Cables hold their tension longer and require less maintenance. All Marygrove awnings use a reinforced cable system for smoother operation and a longer lifespan.
Get a Free In-Home Quote
Your estimate is only a few steps away. Fill out the form and we will call you promptly to set up an appointment.
