Siding thoughts, please.

[Farres]

We are considering purchasing a new-to-us home in Southern Oregon. It was custom built in 2008 and is in excellent condition. The sellers are the original owners and have down sized to a retirement community.

The front is stucco, and the sides and back are wrapped in what looks like concrete Hardiboard or something similar. On one of the sides there is a weird shading that looks like it’s showing on every stud. Please see pics. The inside walls look fine, but these shadows have me a bit worried. Any thoughts or ideas what it could be? Thank you.

 

[Toomanytools?]

The studs are a different R value than the rest of the wall (Thermal Bridging). This can cause temperature difference and morning dew to stay longer on the studs attracting more dust and discoloring the siding.
The other concern is the **** joints don't seem to be done well, not enough gap which can cause buckling. The shadowing isn't a big deal house might need a wash or a fresh coat of paint.

 

[WildBill]

As Toomanytools? said that looks exactly like my hardiboard siding in WA when it needs washed, always discolors on studs first due to temperature difference. One of those siding wash bottles that screws onto the hose will probably take care of it. The gap between boards should probably be addressed at some point if its causing any buckling, mine also had that issue (but a little worse) for 10+ years until I cut them out wider and caulked them when I repainted. Based on mine I wouldn't say it was an emergency, but I don't know what is behind yours so that might make a difference.

 

[billconner]

When I installed hardi board, instructions called for flashing at joints - strips of asphalt paper. Just suggesting if you widen gaps and caulk, you also protect or install this.

 

[Wrench97]

Rust stain from the nails?
It almost appears the siding has swelled looking at the **** joints?

 

[LS6 Tommy]

The studs are a different R value than the rest of the wall (Thermal Bridging). This can cause temperature difference and morning dew to stay longer on the studs attracting more dust and discoloring the siding.
The other concern is the **** joints don't seem to be done well, not enough gap which can cause buckling. The shadowing isn't a big deal house might need a wash or a fresh coat of paint.

X2! Should have been some sort of foam sheeting under there.

 

[Kpaige]

The studs are a different R value than the rest of the wall (Thermal Bridging). This can cause temperature difference and morning dew to stay longer on the studs attracting more dust and discoloring the siding.
The other concern is the **** joints don't seem to be done well, not enough gap which can cause buckling. The shadowing isn't a big deal house might need a wash or a fresh coat of paint.

Yes this is my thought also.

We put pieces of Aluminum behind the **** joints and never caulked them.

 

[Farres]

Thank you for the great insights—really appreciate the people on this site!