How to revive a scratched floor, remove moss from a roof

Q: We had maple flooring installed five years ago after being told it would be scratch-resistant, but our dogs have made a mess of the wood, even though their nails are trimmed. Is there a way to make the floor look better and keep it that way?

A: Maple is a very hard wood and should be about as resistant to scratches as any hardwood. I'm not aware of any hard flooring that will resist scratching if there is regular traffic by large dogs.

I have heard the same complaint about laminate flooring, which is sometimes described as highly scratch-resistant. I also do not know of any floor finish that won't scratch, although some, like polyurethane, are tougher than others.

If the scratches have penetrated into the wood, the best bet is to have the floor sanded and refinished. Sanding is best done by a professional, although the special tools can be rented at most tool-rental agencies.

If only the finish is scratched, you might be able to improve it with a Varathane Renewal Wood-Floor Refinishing Kit, which is designed for do-it-yourselfers and requires no sanding. For more information on the kit, visit www.rustoleum.com (click on "product finder," then search by brand for Varathane).

Keeping the floor free of scratches will be a constant battle if dogs are allowed to roam freely. You can try using thick, washable throw rugs in the areas most frequented by the dogs, but that is not a complete solution. As for carpeting, dogs are almost as hard on it as they are on wood floors. Be prepared for frequent steam cleaning if you try carpeting.

If any dog owners have found solutions to the floor-scratching problem, I'd like to hear from them.

Q: Our asphalt-shingle roof has developed moss in the past few years. Can you tell me an environmentally safe way to clean it? Can it be pressure-washed without damaging the shingles or causing leaks?

A: A very light pressure-washing (no more than 500 pounds per square inch of pressure) shouldn't cause leaks or harm the shingles if they are in good condition. This light washing is sometimes used for rinsing after chemical cleaners are used, and it is possible that light washing alone won't remove moss.

There are so many cleaners now claiming to be environmentally safe, eco-friendly or green that it is difficult to rate them. A cleaner called Roof Cleaner OX claims to be "environmentally friendly" and use "oxygen power" to remove moss and algae from roofs. For more information, visit www.cleanertoday.com.

A cleaner I have often suggested, Shingle Shield Deck & Roof Cleaner, says it does not harm plants if used as directed. It is recommended, however, that nearby plants be soaked with water before use and rinsed afterward. For more information, visit www.shingleshield.com.

(Editor's note: For information about controlling moss while protecting waterways, go to www.cleanwaterservices.org and search for "moss.")

Q: I used Weed B Gon around some shrubs last fall and unfortunately killed the shrubs as well as the weeds. How long must I wait before replanting?

A: It is safe to plant ornamentals and trees a month after using Weed B Gon in an area, according to a spokeswoman for Scotts, maker of Weed B Gon. The soil should be soaked thoroughly with water at least once during that month. When you plant shrubs, use mulch to keep out weeds. The mulch will also help keep water in the soil.

Questions may be sent to Gene Austin at doit861@aol.com. Sorry, no personal replies.