I have been reading about Hardie and wood siding because there are several boards that have wood rot on my house. Also there are two black growths (see pic) about the size of a pencil eraser at the base of the growth. I have been living in it for 2.5 years, so I don't know the history of the siding. I might have the whole house re-done depending on what I find on the other side of random pieces of siding.
So my questions are:
1) How can I prevent wood rot in the future? I didn't see paint peeling or holes in the exterior siding. Did the original installer not prime both sides and the ends?
2) Is the picture a type of mold or fungi? I can not find any information when I google it.
Thanks,
John