When selecting aluminum roofing nails, prioritize Alloy Grade 6061 or 6063 for the best balance of strength and corrosion resistance. Ensure the shank type matches your application: ring shanks provide superior holding power in high-wind areas, while smooth shanks are easier to drive. For roofing, a large flat head is essential to prevent the nail from pulling through the material, and the length should be at least 1 inch longer than the thickness of the roofing material to ensure deep penetration into the decking.