Again, a qualified inspector can identify deficiencies and any related damage, and propose remedial action needed. Moisture is the enemy of hardboard siding. Almost all installation deficiencies allow exposure to moisture, resulting in absorption and subsequent degradation of the material. Nail heads should be driven to where they butt tight to the siding or are flush with the siding face. The siding then swells out beyond the nail, creating more access for moisture and the situation goes from bad to worse.
Most builders spray paint a house.
Unfortunately this technique results in less paint applied than the specifications require. Even for pre-primed material, at least 2 spray coats would be necessary to achieve proper coverage. Also, the bottom edges of lap siding tend to receive little or no paint, especially on the lower courses, since the painter is spraying downward at this point. To cover those bottom edges properly would require hand brushing, but again this is rarely done. Water tends to hang on these bottom edges and gets sucked into the siding through micro cracks in the material.