How to Use Your Marygrove Retractable Awning: A Complete Guide

Whether your awning just went up last week or you’re dusting it off after a long winter, this guide covers everything you need to know. Remote basics, pitch adjustments, the wind sensor, LED lights, and seasonal care. Watch the overview video below, then keep reading for the details.

Remote Control Basics

Your awning runs off a handheld remote. Here’s what each button does:

• Down arrow: Press and hold to extend the awning outward. Let go when it’s where you want it, or let it run to full extension.
• Up arrow: Press and hold to retract. Always roll it all the way in before you leave the house or call it a night.
• Stop button: Tap this while the awning is moving to freeze it at any spot. On most remotes, it’s the square icon or the “my” button.

Keep the remote near your patio door so it’s always handy. Need to swap the batteries or pair a new remote? Check our guide on changing your awning remote battery.

Adjusting the Pitch

The pitch is the angle of the fabric, how far it slopes down from the wall. Getting this right makes a big difference.

For Sun

On bright days, set a gentle slope so the fabric fans out wide. This gives you the most shade over your chairs, table, and patio furniture.

For Light Rain

If a light drizzle starts, steepen the pitch so water slides right off the front edge instead of pooling on top. Pooling water stretches fabric and can damage the arms.

Use the pitch up and pitch down buttons on the remote. Small adjustments go a long way.

One rule: Your awning handles sun and light rain just fine. Heavy rain, high winds, or storms? Roll it in. Every time.

The Wind Sensor

This is one of the most important features on your awning, and it works without you lifting a finger.

How It Works

The wind sensor keeps tabs on wind speed. When gusts hit about 20 mph, it signals the motor and the awning retracts on its own. This protects the fabric, frame, and the brackets on your house from wind damage.

What to Know

• The sensor is always on when the awning is out. You don’t need to flip a switch.
• If the awning pulls in on a breezy day, the sensor did its job. Just wait it out and extend again later.
• The sensor runs on batteries. If it stops retracting on windy days, the batteries probably need replacing. See our retractable awning page for more, or give our service team a call.

LED Lighting

Many Marygrove awnings come with LED lights built into the underside of the cassette or arms. They turn your patio into an evening hangout without any extra setup.

• On/off: Use the light button on your remote. Some models let you hold it down to dim or brighten.
• Partial extension: You can turn the lights on even if the awning is only halfway out. Great for evening ambiance without full shade.
• Long lasting: LEDs barely use any power and last for years.

Smart Awning App Control

If your awning has the Smart Awning system, you can control it from your phone or tablet. The app lets you:

• Extend and retract from anywhere with WiFi or cell service
• Adjust pitch and LED lights remotely
• Set schedules so the awning opens and closes at set times
• Get alerts when the wind sensor kicks in

The Smart Awning works alongside your remote, not instead of it. Both stay active at all times.

Seasonal Care Tips

A few easy habits will keep your awning looking and working great for years.

During the Season

• Retract when you’re done. Even on calm days, rolling the awning in when you go inside protects it from surprise weather.
• Brush off debris. Leaves, pollen, and bird droppings come off easy with a soft broom or a rinse from the garden hose.
• Dry before retracting. If the awning got wet, leave it out until the fabric dries. Rolling up wet fabric causes mildew inside the cassette.

End of Season

• Give it a wash. Mild soap and water. No pressure washers, no harsh chemicals.
• Roll it in for winter. Leave the awning stored in the cassette during the off season.
• Check your batteries. Swap remote and wind sensor batteries before next spring so you’re ready to go on day one.

For hands off maintenance, look into our MINT Maintenance Program. It includes annual professional inspections and cleaning.

Questions? We’re Here.

Your Marygrove awning is built to last. If anything comes up, our service team is just a call or click away. Visit our Customer Service page for how to videos and support, or schedule a free appointment if your awning needs attention.