I inspect the exterior wooden components during a home inspection.
Home inspectors can look at the exterior painted surfaces for peeling, blistering, and checking. Paint-related problems may be due to vapor pressure beneath the paint, poor surface preparation, improper paint application, or excessive paint build-up.
Mildew stains on painted surfaces do not hurt the wood siding and trim and could be cleaned with a mildew remover. All wood elements should be checked for fungal and insect infestation, especially where wood is near or in contact with the ground and at exposed horizontal surfaces and exterior corner joints.