The expansion or contraction of the wood in conditions of varying humidity.
I would not. The wood has to expand and contract with temp changes. Your floor will buckle if you do.
There can be numerous causes for a floor to buckle over a floor joist. Flooring was not installed perpendicular to floor joist. Flooring was not allowed for proper expansion - expansion gap needed. Flooring was not properly fastened or not enough fasteners was applied. Excessive water or moisture got onto the flooring causing it to buckle - check appliances, plumbing, windows and doors for water. Damaged or cracked floor joist.
The magnificent seven
If the buckle is made from a ferrous metal, it will be attracted to a magnet. Attach a magnet to an appropriate spot to store/hold the buckle and voila!
A laminate wood floor product is better since it uses less actual wood that an all wood floor does.
The space is to allow for expansion of the flooring. Otherwise the flooring may buckle and lift in places.
wood
Absolutely.
Wood is wood.
wood floor
None! If you mop a hardwood floor with vinegar & water you will do more damage to the wood. NEVER use water on hardwood, it causes wood to swell and it ruins the finish. Sorry about the urine, but the vinegar & water will just make things worse