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It’s true: Fido’s claws can scratch up your nice engineered hardwood floors since the top layer is made of exposed hardwood. For this reason, pet owners may want to opt for the more durable laminate flooring options that offer the appearance of hardwood without the vulnerability to scuffs and scratches. As a bonus, laminate flooring is also less expensive than engineered hardwood.

Although it isn’t recommended to use more than 1,500 pounds of force per square inch (or PSI) on delicate siding materials like wood and metal, it’s safe to use more than that on surfaces made of stone, cement, and, yes, vinyl. In most cases, you can use up to 3,500 PSI without any problems, though you’ll want to make sure to use a tip with a spray span that better disperses this pressure, like a green or yellow tip.

Houses naturally settle over time, but they should settle uniformly with no apparent settling in one spot. If your floor is uneven but only in a particular area of your home, differential settlement could be the problem. This can be caused by improper drainage, erosion, expanding soil, earthquake activity, or poor construction techniques.

If there’s minimal buckling and it was caused by minor moisture damage, the planks may lay flat again once you’ve addressed the underlying issue. However, laminate floors that have experienced significant moisture damage won’t lay flat and must be replaced. If the issue only affects one or two boards, you can replace them yourself relatively easily. However, it’s best to call a pro if the problem is more widespread.