It's the first time I've made a brew when the temperature is cold & after 4 days nothing seems to be happening. The S.G. has only moved from 1038 to 1034. Is there any hope for it?
How cold? What yeast?
Once it warms up it should kick in again, but, depending on the yeast it might just ferment slower and cleaner at that lower temperature.
Not sure if it the best thing to do, but I give the fermenter a good shake if it doesn't start withing 24 hours. That seems to get things going fast. usually within the hour after shaking.