HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE--Windows and Doors (Fix it Yourself)

Windows & Doors is divided into three sections. The Emergency Guide provides information that can be indispensable, even lifesaving, in the event of a household emergency. Take the time to study this section before you need the important advice it contains.

The Repairs section--the heart of the guide--is a system for troubleshooting and repairing doors, windows, locks and weatherproofing. Pictured below are four sample pages from the chapter on interior doors, with captions describing the various features of the guide and how they work. If your door sticks or binds, for example, the Troubleshooting Guide will offer a number of possible causes. If the problem is a new door that's too large, you will be directed to for detailed, step-by-step directions for cutting it to size.

Each job has been rated by degree of difficulty and the average time it will take for a do-it-yourselfer to complete.

Keep in mind that this rating is only a suggestion. Before deciding whether you should attempt a repair, first read all the instructions carefully. Then be guided by your own confidence, and the tools and time available to you. For more complex or time-consuming repairs, such as replacing a window or rebuilding a door jamb, you may wish to call for professional service. You will still have saved time and money by diagnosing the problem yourself.

Most of the repairs in Windows & Doors can be made with a screwdriver, a wood chisel, a hammer and a hacksaw. For repairing cracks and splinters, and joining wood, you will need clamps, carpenter's glue and a solid workbench or table. You may also need power tools for some of the heavier repairs. Basic carpentry tools--and the proper way to use them--are presented in the Tools and Techniques section. If you are a novice when it comes to home repair, read this section in preparation tor a major job.

Home repair can lead to serious injury unless you take certain basic precautions. Wear safely goggles when cutting wood, and put on a pair of work gloves to prevent cuts, especially when handling glass. It you arc using strong chemicals, such as paint stripper, protect your hands with thick rubber gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area. When removing lead paint also wear a respirator. Be kind to your back -- work with a helper when lilting heavy windows and doors. Remember to take special precautions when working in wet conditions or on the roof. Most important, follow all safely tips in the Emergency Guide and throughout the guide.

-------------

Introductory text---Describes the construction of windows and doors, their most common problems and basic repair procedures.

Troubleshooting Guide---To use this chart, locate the symptom that most closely resembles your door or window problem, review the possible causes in column 2, then follow the recommended procedures in column 3.

Simple fixes may be explained on the chart; in most cases you will be directed to an illustrated, step-by-step repair sequence.

“Exploded” and cutaway diagrams---Locate and describe the internal and external components of the door or window.

Degree of difficulty and time--Rate the complexity of each repair, and how much time the job should take for a homeowner with average do-it-yourself skills.

Special tool required---Some repairs, particularly those involving glass or screens, require specialized tools.

Variations---Differences in popular windows or doors are described throughout the Guide, particularly if a repair procedure varies from one type to another, or from older to newer models.

Name of repair-----You win be referred by the Troubleshooting Guide to the first page of a specific repair job

Tools and techniques---When a tool or method is required for a job, it is described within the step-by-step repair.

General information on carpentry techniques, including the use of power tools, is covered in the Tools & Techniques section.

Step-by-step procedures----Follow the numbered repair sequence carefully.

Depending on the result of each step, you may be directed to a later step or to another part of the guide, to complete the repair.

Lead-ins----Bold lead-ms summarize each step or highlight the key action pictured in the illustration.

Insets---Illustrate variations of popular models, and provide close-up views of specific steps.

Cross-references---Direct you to important information elsewhere in the guide, including access and finishing steps.