I was actually amazed that “open/close” commands works on the Echo. I tested this with Alexa Helper and was able to open and close the garage door (using a Zwave garage door opener). This device DOES respond to open when the relay is telling it the door is closed, and will close the door only when the door is seen as open. This will help me on my app, however, it sounds like you are simply using a REAL relay that is normally closed. I think there is a way to set up a relay with a sensor as a garage door solution…have you tried that?
By the way, the Alexa Helper app is here: [RELEASE] Alexa Helper