ShadeMaker vs. Sun Protection of Florida: A Tampa Awning Showdown (Somfy vs. Dooya)
If you're shopping for retractable awnings in the Tampa Bay area, you'll come across Sun Protection of Florida (SPF Screens & Awnings) — an established local company that manufactures and installs motorized awnings across Hillsborough County. They do real work and use a real fabric. So let's compare them fairly against the ShadeMaker line at 1800Awnings.com, also built right here in Tampa.
Where They Agree: Sunbrella Fabric
Credit to SPF — they use genuine Sunbrella® fabric, the same solution-dyed acrylic standard ShadeMaker uses. On fabric, you're getting quality from either company. That's a point in SPF's favor over the import brands.
Where They Diverge: The Motor
Here's the difference that defines the next two decades of ownership. Sun Protection of Florida drives its retractable awnings with Chinese Dooya motors. ShadeMaker uses Somfy® — the French-built industry standard.
Why does it matter on two otherwise-similar Tampa awnings?
- Service life and noise: Somfy is engineered for quiet, long-life operation. Dooya is a budget-to-mid tubular motor.
- Ecosystem: Somfy's RTS wireless system integrates cleanly with remotes, wind sensors, and smart-home control.
- Parts and serviceability: Somfy is the global standard with broad long-term parts availability. Orphaned Chinese motors can become a sourcing headache years out.
When the fabric is equal, the motor is the spec that decides which awning you'll still be happy with in year fifteen.
Sales Model and Reach
SPF is a local install-focused company — great if you specifically want a local crew managing everything. ShadeMaker is sold factory-direct from the Tampa manufacturer with free shipping to 48 states, 0% APR financing, and DIY or installed options — local Tampa quality with national reach and factory-direct pricing.
Bottom Line
| ShadeMaker | Sun Protection of FL | |
|---|---|---|
| Based | Tampa, FL | Tampa, FL |
| Fabric | Sunbrella® | Sunbrella® |
| Motor | Somfy® (France) | Chinese Dooya |
| Sensors | Somfy wind/sun ready | Varies |
| Buying | Factory-direct + free shipping nationwide | Local install |
Both are legitimate Tampa awning sources using quality fabric. The deciding factor is the drive system — Somfy vs. Dooya — plus ShadeMaker's factory-direct pricing and nationwide shipping. If the motor matters to you (and over 15 years, it does), ShadeMaker is the buy-it-once pick.
Written by Corey Courtright
Second-Generation Awning Manufacturer & Industry Expert
Corey Courtright is a second-generation awning manufacturer and a recognized innovator in aluminum TIG-welded structures within the awning industry. With over 38 years of hands-on experience, he has worked across every facet of the business—from fabrication and sewing to welding, installation, sales, and service—giving him a rare, comprehensive understanding of the craft. Starting his career as a pipe threader, Corey went on to build and lead multiple successful awning companies. Now based in Florida since 2016, he brings deep technical expertise, proven leadership, and a legacy of innovation to every project and insight he shares.