i doubt it very seriously. a GDO just does not have the umph to dead lift a GD. many properly installed units cannot even lift one if 1 spring breaks. let alone trying to raise it straight up with no springs at all.

i think you need somethign like a 120v winch/cable hoist. keep in mind it will still need safeties, if the door came loose or a cable broken, it would kill someone under it. you would also need a specially designed and reinforced door, they are not made for the top to take teh full weight.

Thank you, davidandkasie. Good point about a lift problem even if one spring is broken. That puts things in perspective.

What about loading dock doors? Don't some of them open vertically?

I'm assuming here the goal is to keep the ceiling space above the door free of an opener and rails . . . .I think that loading docks/warehouses share this goal.

Of course, you might have to do some mods so your garage door doesn't look like, well, a loading dock.

they do make loading dock doors that roll up into a tube. it will meet teh same purpose, to save space.

You might want to check into one of these. Call your local Liftmaster dealer for more info. I copied this from Liftmasters website.

"Specially designed for garages that don't allow for a traditional garage door opener, our ultra-quiet, space-saving, wall-mounted jackshaft opener is perfect when you need to save space or have an oversized door or cathedral ceiling. It mounts on the wall beside the garage door, so ceiling space is freed up for maximum storage. The powerful 24VDC motor provides ultra-quiet operation, along with smooth start and smooth stop to reduce the noise of the garage door as it opens and close. It also is equipped with a power door lock for extra security  when the door is down it is securely locked. What's more, this unique system offers the added option of our EverCharge® Standby Power system to let you in and out of your garage even when the power is out."

DC Motor Residential Jackshaft Opener