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!
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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* |
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Fully Integrated Housing | ||
LED Lights Integrated | ||
Adjustable Pitch | ||
Smart Awning (App + Voice) | ||
10 Year Pro-Rated 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 Year Pro-Rated Fabric Warranty
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 fully integrated housing 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.
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 coverage and a 10 year pro-rated fabric warranty. 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, a 10 year pro-rated fabric warranty, 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, a 10 year pro-rated fabric warranty, 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.
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